If you’ve been following international cricket lately, one name is everywhere – Sufiyan Muqeem. At just 25, this left-arm wrist spinner from Pakistan has gone from street cricket in Azad Kashmir to climbing the ICC rankings and breaking records. And with the Asia Cup 2025 underway, he’s right in the spotlight, bowling alongside the big guns and facing India’s Kuldeep Yadav in a battle fans can’t wait to see.
From Tape Ball Streets to Professional Pitches
Sufiyan was born on 15 November 1999 in Baithak Balouch, Sudhanoti District, Azad Kashmir. Like many kids there, he started with tape-ball cricket – cheap, fast, and full of flair. Hungry for better opportunities, he moved to Rawalpindi, where he entered Pakistan’s club scene.
What sets him apart? His release point is almost vertical – around “12 o’clock” – which makes the ball dip sharply and confuses batters trying to sweep. Analysts often compare him to Tabraiz Shamsi, Kuldeep Yadav, and Noor Ahmad, but with his own twist.
By 2023, he had already taken a fifer for just three runs in domestic cricket. Even after knee surgery in 2024, he came back stronger – proof of the resilience selectors love.
Breaking Records: The No. 12 Knock
April 2025, Hamilton, New Zealand: Pakistan were 174/9 chasing 293. Thanks to a concussion sub for Haris Rauf, Sufiyan walked in at No. 12 – a rare sight in ODIs.
He smashed 13 off 10 balls, including a four and a six, becoming the first player ever to score double-digits at No. 12 in ODIs. Earlier, he had bowled 2/33, including the key wicket of Daryl Mitchell.
Pakistan lost, but Sufiyan walked into cricketing folklore. Wisden called it “a slice of history.”
Record Spells and Stats That Matter
His bowling has been just as eye-catching. In December 2024, against Zimbabwe in a T20I, he ripped through the hosts with 5/3, bowling them out for 57 – Pakistan’s best ever T20I figures.
Here’s a snapshot of his international career (as of September 2025):
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Figures | Economy | Batting Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 5 | 8 | 2/33 | 4.50 | 13* at No. 12 (vs NZ, 2025) |
| T20Is | 12 | 22 | 5/3 (vs ZIM, 2024) | 5.20 | 5* |
| Overall Intl | 17 | 30 | – | – | – |
He also starred in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023, where Pakistan A beat India A in the final, with Sufiyan taking 3/66.
On the ICC charts, he is now Pakistan’s highest-ranked T20I bowler, and the only one in the top 20.
Asia Cup 2025: Spotlight on India Clash
This month in the UAE, Sufiyan is part of Pakistan’s spin trio with Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz. The biggest headline? His battle with Kuldeep Yadav – the first time two left-arm wrist spinners face off in an India-Pakistan clash.
Kuldeep has drift and flight, Sufiyan has sharp dip and accuracy. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) are buzzing: “Sufiyan Muqeem is the x-factor Pakistan needs!”
Still, debate continues. Some argue Abrar deserves more overs, while others believe Sufiyan brings the perfect balance. Either way, he’s in the middle of the conversation.
Why Sufiyan Matters
For decades, Pakistan’s identity has been pace – from Wasim Akram to Shaheen Afridi. But with Shadab Khan struggling for form, Sufiyan represents a new spin chapter. He’s attacking, economical, and unafraid to take responsibility in crunch moments.
Off the field, he’s calm and low-profile, preferring the ball to speak. On it, he’s building a case as Pakistan’s spin future heading into the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Final Word
From the streets of Azad Kashmir to global stages, Sufiyan Muqeem’s rise is a story of talent, hard work, and resilience. Operation Asia Cup 2025 may be his biggest test yet, but one thing is certain – cricket has found another spinner who can turn not just the ball, but matches themselves.
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