Yasir Arafat Satti, commonly known as Yasir Arafat, is a professional cricketer hailing from Pakistan. Born on December 12, 1982, Arafat has made a name for himself as an all-rounder, showcasing his skills as a bowler and a lower-order batsman.
With a playing style that perfectly embodies the attacking nature of limited-overs cricket, Arafat’s career has been marked by his ability to consistently contribute to the game. Although his international career ended prematurely in 2009, when he was still in his twenties, he went on to become a sought-after player in the English county circuit.
Arafat’s journey in international cricket was hindered by the availability of established all-rounders such as Abdul Razzaq, Shahid Afridi, and Shoaib Malik. However, he always remained on the fringes of the Pakistan squad, showcasing his potential whenever given the opportunity.
Known for his ability to generate pace and swing, Arafat’s bowling became a key feature of his game. His unique slingy action, combined with his ability to bowl straight and full deliveries, resulted in many crucial wickets. One such notable instance was when he dismissed Andrew Flintoff during an ODI match in Karachi in December 2005. Arafat’s talent was further exemplified when he took nine wickets against England in a warm-up game during the same series.
Arafat’s talent was not limited to his bowling skills alone. He proved to be a dangerous lower-order batsman, capable of scoring runs when needed. Throughout his career, he achieved the rare feat of striking five first-class hundreds and one in List A cricket.
In terms of achievements, Arafat took five wickets in six balls for Rawalpindi against the national champions Faisalabad in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. This accomplishment had only been achieved three times previously in first-class cricket, making Arafat the sole bowler to spread his wickets across two innings.
Arafat’s international exposure began with his stint playing for Scotland in the UK. He was subsequently recruited by Sussex for the 2006 Championship season. Making an immediate impact, Arafat took 17 wickets in his first three games, alongside scoring two fifties. His impressive performance caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts, leading to a central contract offer in 2007.
Throughout his career, Arafat became a sought-after player in county cricket, with teams such as Sussex, Surrey, Lancashire, Somerset, and Hampshire vying for his services in one-day cricket. In 2013, he even joined the Perth Scorchers in the Australian domestic Twenty20 league.
With an impressive list of achievements and a reputation as a reliable all-rounder, Yasir Arafat has left a lasting impact on the cricketing world. His dedication, skills, and versatility have earned him a place among the esteemed cricketers from Pakistan.
