Belgium

The cricket team of Belgium, the national side representing a nation better known for its beers and chocolates, offers something of an unexpected delight in the international cricket scene. Belgium's cricketing journey began in 1995 when the team was established to compete in European competitions, driven by the growing popularity of the sport among expatriate communities and local enthusiasts.

Belgium's cricketing history is relatively modest in terms of accolades when compared to traditional powerhouses. However, their persistent performance in the lower tiers of the International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments has been commendable. In 2011, Belgium was granted affiliate member status by the ICC, a moment that marked a stepping stone for the team on the international stage. Their participation in the ICC T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier over the years has seen some spirited performances, which have earned them a reputation as a team to watch.

While there may not be an overflow of household names in the squad, several key players have made significant contributions. Shaheryar Butt is one such talent, with a knack for producing dazzling performances. Butt's big-hitting capabilities and batting prowess have often been a game-changer for Belgium, notably his stunning 125 not out against the Czech Republic in 2020, a record-breaking T20 innings that brought him deserved accolades. The bowling attack often revolves around skilled all-rounders like Ashiqullah Said, who provides both control with the ball and resilience with the bat.

In terms of rivalries, Belgium shares an emerging competitive edge with the likes of Germany and the Netherlands, with matches often defined by tight, thrilling encounters. Clashes with these neighbours seem to carry that extra pinch of spice, driven perhaps by geographic proximity and a desire to assert ascendency in the regional cricket hierarchy.

Belgium's style is adaptive, moulded by a blend of local essence and international flair. Known for their spirited fielding and cohesive team play, they thrive on strong partnerships both on and off the field, balancing aggression with strategic play. Though Belgium's cricket traditions are still in their infancy, the sport has started to blend into the local cultural tapestry, garnering a dedicated following.

The team doesn’t have a dedicated home stadium as yet, but matches are frequently played at picturesque grounds like the Royal Brussels Cricket Club Ground, where a dedicated group of fans gather. Here, the enthusiasm is palpable, a melting pot of expats and locals united by a common love for the sport. You might catch the odd artisan beer or a batch of local chocolates, bringing a sprinkle of Belgian cultural taste to matchdays, celebrating the beautiful game of cricket in a distinctly Belgian fashion.

Abdul Rashid Karim
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 33

Mamoon Latif
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 32

Mohammad Noman Kamawi
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 27

Murid Ekrami
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 24

Noor Momand
Position: Wicketkeeper
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 24

Saber Zakhil
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast
Age: 28

Aziz Mohammad Babarkrkhail
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 36

Ashiqullah Said
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast
Age: 31

Shaheryar Butt
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 43

Syed Zaki Ul Hassan
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 25

Syed Jamil
Position: Wicketkeeper
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 31

Ali Raza
Position: Wicketkeeper
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 41

Raja Tasawar Iqbal
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 27

Raja Waqas Ali
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 38

Saqlain Ali
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 27

Soheel Hussain
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast
Age: 36

Khalid Ahmadi
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast
Age: 30

Nemish Mehta
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Left Arm Fast Medium
Age: 25

Wahidullah Usmani
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 25

Sazzad Hosen
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast
Age: 34

Hadisullah Tarakhel
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Left Arm Fast Medium
Age: 25

Muneeb Muhammad
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 27

Muhammad Sheraz Sheikh
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Slow Left Arm Orthodox
Age: 37

Burhan Niaz
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 21

Hakim Khaksar
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 30

Sherul Mehta
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Slow Right Arm Orthodox
Age: 25

Faisal Mehmood
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 37

Maqsood Ahmad
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 40

Shagharai Sefat
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 29

Adnan Razzaq
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 38

Royal Brussels Cricket Ground
City: Brussels
Country: Belgium

Meersen
City: Gent
Country: Belgium