Alishan Sharafu Shines in T20 World Cup 2026: A Journey from Kerala to UAE Cricket
In the T20 World Cup 2026, UAE opener Alishan Sharafu made a significant impact with a vital half-century against New Zealand. His journey, rooted in Pazhayangadi and inspired by India's 2011 World Cup victory, showcases his talent and commitment to cricket while pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity.
Match Highlights Against New Zealand
During the opening match of the T20 World Cup 2026 held at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on February 10, the UAE team, led by captain Muhammad Waseem, opted to bat first. They managed to score 173 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs. Waseem was the standout performer with 66 runs off 45 balls, while Sharafu contributed a solid 55 runs from 47 balls, hitting 5 fours and 2 sixes.
Sharafu's innings was crucial, especially as he formed a significant partnership of 107 runs for the second wicket with Waseem, which helped stabilize the innings after an early wicket. This collaboration was essential in setting a competitive total for the UAE.
Roots and Early Inspiration
Although raised in the UAE, Alishan Sharafu's heritage traces back to Pazhayangadi in Kerala's Kannur district. Born in Kanhangad in 2003, he spent his early months in his ancestral village before relocating to the UAE. His summer visits to Pazhayangadi allowed him to engage with local cricket, nurturing his passion for the sport.
The 2011 World Cup victory by India was a pivotal moment for Sharafu, igniting his desire to pursue cricket seriously. He recalls, "The 2011 World Cup was my earliest memory of cricket, and watching India win was fascinating for me."
Balancing Education and Cricket
Sharafu has successfully balanced his academic pursuits with cricket, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity from De Montfort University in Dubai. He continued to represent the UAE during the T20 World Cup 2022 while completing his studies. His mother initially encouraged him to prioritize education, but Sharafu managed to excel in both fields.
He began his international career at the age of 15, representing the UAE in U16 and U19 teams, and later made his senior team debut.
Career Milestones
Sharafu participated in the U19 World Cup in 2020, scoring 59 runs against Nigeria. He made his T20I debut against Iran in the same year and was awarded a part-time contract by the Emirates Cricket Board. In 2021, he debuted in ODIs and captained the U19 team in the 2022 World Cup.
As of now, Sharafu stands as the sixth-leading run-scorer for the UAE in international cricket, accumulating 2159 runs, including 15 fifties, with an average of 27.32 across 94 matches.