Irfan Riaz

Irfan Riaz
Nationality: Cyprus
Position: Allrounder
Date of Birth: 2001-01-01 Age: 24

Bio

Career Stats

Fixtures

Teams

Born in the vibrant town of Larnaca, Cyprus, on the first day of the new millennium, Irfan Riaz’s journey into the world of cricket is as unique as it is inspiring. Growing up in a country where cricket was relatively unheard of, young Irfan found his love for the game through the influence of his cricket-enthusiast parents. They had moved from Pakistan years earlier and instilled a deep appreciation for the sport in their son. It wasn't long before Irfan’s innate talent became apparent as he began playing in the local leagues at the tender age of eleven.

Irfan’s all-round capabilities were on display early on, seamlessly blending a robust batting framework with adaptable, versatile bowling skills. His batting was marked by an effortless swing, capable of both steady runs and explosive performances. His bowling, often unpredictable, kept batsmen on their toes, transitioning from deceptive spin to surprising pace with ease. These abilities caught the eye of talent scouts, and by 18, he was snapping up a coveted place in the new European Cricket League.

Making his professional debut was a dream come true for Irfan, who quickly made his mark. His performances for the Cyprus national team were transformative, and he became the linchpin around whom the team excelled. Riaz’s standout innings came in a crucial match against Italy, where his 84 not out helped secure a historic victory for Cyprus, raising the nation’s profile on the cricketing map.

Accolades followed, with Irfan once setting a league record for the most runs scored in a single tournament. His crowning moment, though, must be the series against rivals Greece where his all-round performance—scoring a half-century and taking three key wickets—cemented a series win, fuelling a regional rivalry that added a spicy fervour to each encounter thereafter.

Irfan's influence was far-reaching. He inspired countless young Cypriots to pick up the bat and ball, significantly impacting the sport's growth on the island. Known for his calm under pressure and sportsmanship, Irfan remains not just a player of significance but a beacon of hope for emerging cricketers across Europe.

In the tapestry of his career, Irfan Riaz is a vibrant thread—one that has woven the essence of a burgeoning cricket scene into the heart of a nation.