Sufiyan Muqeem, the national cricket team’s young spinner, set a new record by taking five wickets for just three runs in 2.4 overs against Zimbabwe. On Tuesday, Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in the second match of the three-match T20 series, securing a decisive 2-0 lead.
Sufiyan Muqeem’s exceptional bowling performance was pivotal in this victory, placing him among the best bowlers in T20 cricket history.
This record was previously held by former fast bowler Umar Gul, who took five wickets for six runs against New Zealand in 2009 and South Africa in 2013. Fifteen years later, Sufiyan Muqeem broke Umar Gul’s record.
According to ESPN Cricinfo, the young spinner has played only seven T20 internationals so far, taking 14 wickets.
Who is Sufiyan Muqeem?
Sufiyan Maqeem was born on November 15, 1999, in a village called Gulla Janhalan in Baloch Baithak, a tehsil in the Sudhnoti district of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. He holds a Diploma in Electrical Engineering (DEE).
Sufiyan made his international T20 debut for Pakistan on October 3, 2023, in a match against Hong Kong. Before entering the international arena, he represented Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). However, a knee injury in January 2024 prevented him from participating in the 2024 PSL season.
Additionally, Sufiyan has been a part of Pakistan-administered Kashmir’s domestic league, the Kashmir Premier League (KPL), playing for teams like Bagh Stallions and Mirpur Royals.
Sufiyan’s father, Abdul Muqeem, expressed gratitude to Allah for his son’s unique achievement. Speaking to Urdu News, he shared, “The entire family is overjoyed. Sufiyan’s mother and sister are praying continuously, and neighbors are visiting to extend their congratulations.”
Early Cricket Journey
Sufiyan began playing cricket during his childhood, starting with tape-ball cricket in grade five and gradually transitioning to professional cricket. His father recalls, “After Sufiyan completed his matriculation exams, I took him to the sports alley in Raja Bazaar, Rawalpindi. He was then enrolled in Sabiha Azhar Cricket Academy, where he received formal training.”
This training paved the way for Sufiyan’s selection in the KPL, where he played two seasons, followed by his inclusion in the PSL in 2023.
Sufiyan Muqeem’s father shared, “I have never stopped my children from pursuing what they are passionate about. I never questioned Sufiyan for coming home late from the ground. On the day he finished his matriculation exams, I took him to Raja Bazaar’s sports alley and bought him sports equipment.”
Recalling an incident, he mentioned a memorable journey when he was taking Sufiyan to Lahore for trials with Lahore Qalandars. “On our way, we were stopped at a security checkpoint. The officer asked me where we were headed at such a late hour. I explained that I was taking my son for cricket trials.”
The officer responded, “Your son is very fortunate. You’re taking him for cricket trials, while when we mentioned cricket, our parents used to scold us.”
This dedication and support from his family have been integral to Sufiyan’s cricketing journey, which was momentarily paused due to a knee injury that kept him out of the PSL 2024 season.
