Aqeel Raza

Aqeel Raza’s journey from the quaint Mediterranean island of Malta to the cricketing arenas of the world is nothing short of remarkable. Born on January 1, 2000, Aqeel found himself captivated by the game from a young age, practising endless hours in the narrow lanes of his hometown. Without traditional cricketing infrastructure, his determination and resourcefulness became the keystones of his early development.

Raza's prodigious talent as a bowler was spotted during a local tournament when he was just 14. His ability to swing the ball both ways and adapt to the conditions quickly set him apart. He honed his craft through sheer grit and resourcefulness, often practising with makeshift equipment, reflecting his deep passion and commitment to the game. By 18, Aqeel had impressed selectors enough to earn a place in the Maltese national team, marking the beginning of his professional career.

As a bowler, Aqeel’s pace was not his only weapon. His mastery over swing and seam, coupled with a knack for out-thinking batsmen, made him a formidable opponent. His most memorable spell came against Gibraltar in an international fixture, where he clinched a five-wicket haul, one that spelt doom for the opposition’s batting line-up and was instrumental in clinching a historic victory for Malta.

Though primarily known as a bowler, Aqeel developed an adaptable batting style that provided his team with resilience in the lower order. On several occasions, his gritty tail-end partnerships were crucial in tilting the balance in Malta's favour during tightly-fought matches.

Throughout his career, Aqeel was involved in numerous thrilling encounters, particularly his celebrated rivalry with Cyprus’s leading batsman, which became the talk of the cricketing circles. Each encounter between the two was a tactical battle, highlighting Aqeel’s strategic acumen and capacity to execute under pressure.

A significant moment in Aqeel’s career was when he guided Malta to an unexpected victory against a formidable European opponent in an international T20 match, a feat considered David taking on Goliath. It was a testament to his growing stature in the cricketing community beyond Malta's shores.

In a relatively short span, Aqeel Raza has not only put Maltese cricket on the map but also exemplified how passion, perseverance, and adaptability can overcome geographical and infrastructural constraints. His career continues to inspire young aspirants, embodying the essence of dreams realised through relentless commitment to the game.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats