Arafat Minhas

Arafat Minhas, born on January 2, 2005, in Multan, has quickly established himself as one of Pakistan’s most promising young cricketers. A gifted left-handed batsman and left-arm spinner, his journey has been fueled by passion, dedication, and an unshakable belief in his abilities.

Coming from a cricketing background, with his father Kashif Minhas being a former Under-19 cricketer, Minhas was introduced to the sport at an early age.

By the time he was six, he was already playing tape-ball cricket, and by nine, he had joined Crescent Club in Multan, a breeding ground for future stars.

His talent was evident from a young age as he rose through Pakistan’s junior cricket ranks. He made a name for himself in the Under-13 and Under-16 tournaments, consistently performing with both bat and ball.

Minhas' impressive performances led to selections in PCB’s high-performance camps, providing him with top-tier coaching and exposure to a more competitive cricketing environment.

The all-rounder's breakthrough came in the 2021/22 National Under-19 Championship, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

He further strengthened his reputation in the 2022 Pakistan Junior League, captaining Gwadar Sharks and earning a place in the Team of the Tournament. His consistent performances paved the way for his List A debut for Southern Punjab in December 2022, marking the beginning of his professional career.

His rise continued as PSL franchises took notice of his potential. He was drafted by Multan Sultans for PSL 8 and later secured a spot with Karachi Kings in 2024, gaining valuable experience playing alongside seasoned professionals. His growing stature in domestic and franchise cricket eventually led to an international call-up.

In August 2023, he was named in Pakistan’s squad for the Asian Games, where he made his T20I debut against Nepal on October 3, 2023. His leadership qualities were further recognized when he was appointed vice-captain for the 2023 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup, followed by a spot in Pakistan’s squad for the 2024 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

Minhas looks up to AB de Villiers for his innovative batting and credits his father and coaches for his development. His journey from playing on the streets of Multan to representing Pakistan is a story of determination and hard work. With his growing skillset and hunger for success, he is well on his way to becoming a key figure in Pakistan’s cricketing future.

(As of March 2025)