Rising Star Alishan Sharafu: From Kerala Roots to UAE Cricket Sensation

A Promising Start in International Cricket

Alishan Sharafu, a dynamic Emirati cricketer born on January 10, 2003, in Kerala, India, has emerged as one of the most promising talents in UAE cricket. As a batting all-rounder representing the United Arab Emirates national team, he’s known for his aggressive batting style and leadership qualities.

Recent Asia Cup Performance

In the recent Asia Cup match against India on September 10, 2025, Sharafu, who has roots in Kerala’s Kannur district, made an impressive 22 runs off 17 balls. The match featured a memorable moment when he smashed Axar Patel for a six over extra cover, before eventually falling to a yorker from Jasprit Bumrah.

Career Achievements

Sharafu has already achieved significant milestones in his career. He captained the UAE U-19s and was part of the squad that made history by defeating Bangladesh in a T20 cricket match in Sharjah in May – the Emirates cricket team’s first victory over a Test-playing nation. At just 17, he set records by scoring the first century in the UAE’s T10 league with an remarkable 146 off 42 balls, including 14 sixes and 11 boundaries.

Recent Success

Earlier this year, Sharafu proved his worth as a match-winner when he delivered UAE their maiden T20 series win against Bangladesh. He remained unbeaten on 68 off 47 balls, successfully chasing down Bangladesh’s target of 162/9 with seven wickets and five balls to spare.

Looking Forward

The young cricketer draws inspiration from various cricket legends, particularly admiring current Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, noting: “I like the way he plays and the calmness and composure that he offers to his team.” His statistics speak for themselves, as he maintains an impressive average of over 30 in T20Is with a strike rate of nearly 134, and finished as UAE’s fourth-highest run-scorer in T20Is in 2024 with 770 runs.