Sheeraz Sufiyan

Born in the vibrant heart of Colombo on 25th October 1976, Sheeraz Sufiyan's journey to cricketing stardom began on the bustling streets of Sri Lanka's capital. As a child, Sheeraz was drawn to the allure of the mighty willow and the red cherry. These early street games nurtured his competitive spirit and honed his natural flair for bowling. It was here that the seeds were sown for a career that would later carve his name into cricketing folklore.

Sheeraz Sufiyan made his professional debut amid the tropical humidity of Sri Lanka, a country with a deep-seated passion for cricket. From the onset, his versatility with the ball drew attention; he had an uncanny ability to adapt his bowling to suit any condition. While predominantly a right-arm pace bowler, it was his subtle variations and astute understanding of different pitches that made him stand out. This flexibility became his hallmark, making him a formidable adversary for batsmen.

Over his illustrious career, Sheeraz achieved numerous accolades. One of his crowning moments was leading Sri Lanka to a historic victory in the 2001 Asia Cup, taking several crucial wickets in the final that defined the outcome. His knack for swinging the ball both ways made him an instrumental figure in Sri Lanka's bowling attack, consistently finishing as one of the top wicket-takers in various international series.

Amongst all his memorable performances, the fierce rivalry against India was a highlight of his career. Matches between these two cricketing giants were always a spectacle, and Sheeraz saved some of his best performances for these high-pressure games. One cannot forget the gripping 2002 Test series in Chennai where Sheeraz, with his smooth run-up and devastating late inswing, engineered a famous win by skittling through the Indian top order.

A prudent lower-order batsman as well, Sheeraz often provided valuable runs when needed most. His understanding of the game and strategic insight were instrumental not only in his own performances but in mentoring young bowlers who looked up to him as a guiding light.

Off the field, Sheeraz's influence was just as impactful. His commitment to the sport transcended his playing days, evident through his dedicated work nurturing young talent in Sri Lanka. Today, as he reflects upon his days donning the Sri Lankan colours, Sheeraz Sufiyan remains a testament to the artistry of bowling and the spirit of cricket.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats