Raheel Zaman

Born on 3rd November 1998 in the unassuming town of Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, Raheel Zaman's journey to cricketing stardom is as remarkable as it is unexpected. Emigrating to London as a child, Raheel was introduced to cricket by his father, a fervent enthusiast of the game. On the sun-bathed grounds of their neighbourhood club, young Raheel honed his skills, quickly displaying an uncanny ability to bowl with both precision and pace.

Raheel’s talent did not go unnoticed. By the time he turned 16, he was already making waves in the English club cricket circuit, representing his local county with vigour. His relentless work ethic and raw talent earned him a spot on the under-19 national squad, where he consistently impressed with his right-arm fast deliveries. The defining moment of his junior years came during the under-19 Cricket World Cup when he took a career-best 6-wicket haul against Australia, etching his name in cricket's burgeoning folklore.

His professional debut soon followed, marking his entry into first-class cricket with the Surrey team. It wasn’t long before Raheel became the talk of the domestic circuit. His distinctive whippy bowling action and ability to extract bounce and swing even on placid pitches set him apart. A prolific wicket-taker, Raheel played a critical role in Surrey’s championship triumph in 2021, where his knack for breaking crucial partnerships was pivotal in key matches.

Raheel's fierce on-field rivalries, particularly against the likes of Lancashire's top order, have become a staple of the domestic scene. Matches against Lancashire have often brought out the best in him, culminating in several last-over thrillers and a memorable hat-trick in the summer of 2022 that left spectators in awe.

Though primarily a bowler, Raheel is no slouch with the bat. As a right-hand batsman, his lower-order contributions have often been game-changing. His brisk 50 against Middlesex, navigating a pressure-laden chase during a county final, demonstrated his ability to stay composed under intense pressure.

Off the field, Raheel’s commitment to nurturing young talent has solidified his reputation as a leader and mentor. His story, from Bulgarian-born cricket aspirant to a stalwart of English cricket, is one of passion, persistence, and purpose—forever inspiring the next generation wearing the three lions.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats