Top 10 Cricket Players From Kashmir Till 2025
Cricketers of Kashmiri Descent Who Have Made Their Own Sudden Impact
Cricket has ever been cherished by Kashmiris, and this has, at times, triggered passionate statewide celebrations or sometimes hostile demonstrations by the fans. Few other places in the world witness this kind of atmospheric emotional connection to the game. Several cricketers of Kashmiri descent have donned the international caps over the years for different countries. Here is some confluence of them.
1. Suresh Raina
In the early 2000s, aggressive batting and innumerable match-winning performances by Suresh Raina made him a prominent figure in Indian cricket. Although Raina is popularly recognized as an Indian, his ancestral roots trace back to Rainawari, a locality in Srinagar. In the 1980s, his family moved to northern India. Former India coach Gary Kirsten felt that Raina’s major contributions were one of the key factors in India’s 2011 World Cup victory.
2. Vivek Razdan
Vivek Razdan, one of the greatest names in Kashmiri cricket, had a stunning effect despite a short international career. Razdan was the five-wicket hero during the second innings of the Indian team’s 1989 tour of Pakistan. Razdan ended the series with honorable figures of 5-79 in Sialkot, the final Test, with swinging conditions assisting him to have India attain a 74-run lead. Interestingly, Razdan was called up to the national team after just two first-class matches.
3. Parvez Rasool
Hailing from Bijbehara, Parvez Rasool became the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to play in both the Ranji Trophy and for the Indian national team. He made his international debut against Zimbabwe, though he didn’t get an opportunity to play in that series. However, he impressed in India A matches, particularly with a seven-wicket haul against Australia. Rasool remains an admired figure in Kashmir’s cricketing circles.
4. Abid Nabi
Abid Nabi was once seen as a promising fast bowler in India’s domestic circuit. His five-wicket haul against England in an Under-19 match brought him into the limelight. However, his decision to join the Indian Cricket League (ICL) ended his hopes of playing for India, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did not recognize the league. With the rise of the IPL, the ICL eventually faded, taking with it the dreams of several talented cricketers, including Nabi.
5. Haroon Rasheed Dar
Haroon Rasheed Dar represented Pakistan in 12 ODIs and nearly 20 Test matches between 1977 and 1983. A bizarre incident from the 1979 World Cup semi-final saw angry fans drag him out of his car and attack him following a disappointing batting performance. Later in life, he transitioned into coaching and selection roles, contributing to Pakistan’s youth development. Notably, he was responsible for selecting a young 16-year-old player for an Under-19 series in Kenya—none other than Shahid Afridi, who went on to smash the fastest ODI century at the time.
6. Tahir Naqash
A key part of Pakistan’s pace attack in the early 1980s, Tahir Naqash played alongside legendary fast bowlers like Imran Khan, Sarfraz Nawaz, and Sikander Bakht. He was part of Pakistan’s squad for the 1983 World Cup. Born into a Kashmiri family in Lahore, he featured in 15 Test matches and 40 ODIs during his international career.
7. Salman Butt
Salman Butt, a former Pakistan opener, was known for his solid batting technique, though his slow strike rate sometimes drew criticism. His career took a dramatic turn when he was banned for five years due to his involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal. Despite the controversy, he remains active in cricket as a YouTuber and an analyst. He also plays for the Lahore Qalandars in domestic leagues.
8. Afaq Raheem
Afaq Raheem, a batsman from Mirpur in Kashmir, earned a spot in Pakistan’s Test squad for a series against Sri Lanka. Though he never became a household name, he remains a respected figure in Pakistani domestic cricket. Given that Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, cricketers from the region have represented both nations over the years.
9. Umran Malik
Initially brought in as a net bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, Umran Malik got his big break when he was included in the squad after Thangarasu Natarajan was ruled out due to COVID. The young speedster quickly gained attention by clocking 153 km/h (95 mph) in IPL 2021. His ability to consistently bowl over 150 km/h (93 mph) impressed many, including Virat Kohli. Malik made his international debut for India against Ireland in June 2022, marking the beginning of a promising career.
10. Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali, an England international with Kashmiri roots, is known for his exceptional all-round skills. A dynamic batsman and an effective off-spinner, Moeen has been a key player for England in all formats. His signature beard and humble personality have made him a fan favorite, and he continues to be one of England’s most valuable all-rounders.
