Arafat Minhas Biography: Birthday, Career, Stats and Records

Arafet Minhas is a Pakistani left‑arm orthodox spin all‑rounder who plays for the national side and Multan Sultans.

Arafet Minhas was born on 2 January 2005 in Multan, Punjab. He is a left‑handed batsman and left‑arm orthodox spinner who has been described as an all‑rounder. Minhas represents Pakistan at international level and features in the Pakistan Super League for Multan Sultans. He progressed through the under‑19 ranks, captaining the Gwadar Sharks in the 2022 Pakistan Junior League and earning selection for the senior national side within a few years of his List A debut.

In ODIs Minhas has played eight matches, scoring 209 runs at an average of 29.86 with a strike rate of 99.52 and a highest score of 61, while claiming 16 wickets at 18.44 and a best of 6/40. In T20 Internationals he has featured in six games, making 81 runs at an average of 81 and a top score of 34 not out, alongside seven wickets at 17.86 with best figures of 2/19. His debut came against Australia at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 30 May 2026 in ODIs and against Hong Kong at Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket Field on 3 October 2023 in T20Is.

Arafat Minhas: quick facts

Born: 2 January 2005
Team: Pakistan

Arafat Minhas career statistics

Batting

Format	Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest	Average	Strike rate	100s	50s
ODIs	8	8	209	61	29.86	99.52	0	2
T20Is	6	3	81	34*	81.00	130.65	0	0

Bowling

Format	Matches	Wickets	Best	Average	Economy
ODIs	8	16	6/40	18.44	4.43
T20Is	6	7	2/19	17.86	6.94

Figures as of 10 November 2026. Figures from Cricsheet (cricsheet.org), Open Data Commons Attribution licence.

Arafat Minhas’ early life

Minhas grew up in Multan, Punjab, within a Rajput family that valued cricket. His father, former Under‑19 cricketer Kashif Minhas, began training him as an all‑rounder at the age of eight, laying the foundation for his dual skill set. Minhas credits his father as his primary role model and also admires South African star AB de Villiers for his attacking style.

He entered organised red‑ball cricket at nine, progressing through Under‑13 and Under‑16 levels before excelling in the National Under‑19 Championship 2021/22, where he was named player of the tournament. These early experiences forged his reputation as a promising all‑rounder and set the stage for his later domestic and international breakthroughs.

Arafat Minhas’ domestic career

Minhas captained the Gwadar Sharks in the 2022 Pakistan Junior League, earning a place in the tournament's team of the tournament as captain. He made his List A debut for Southern Punjab against Sindh on 10 December 2022 during the 2022–23 Pakistan Cup, showcasing his ability with both bat and ball at senior domestic level.

His performances attracted attention in the Pakistan Super League drafts. He was selected by Multan Sultans in the supplementary category for the 2023 season and later picked by Karachi Kings in the silver category for the 2024 edition, providing him exposure to high‑pressure franchise cricket alongside seasoned internationals.

Arafat Minhas’ international career

Minhas entered the senior international arena with a historic ODI debut against Australia at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 30 May 2026, claiming 5/32 in ten overs – the first Pakistani spinner and first Pakistani bowler to take a five‑wicket haul on ODI debut – and earning Player of the Match as Pakistan secured victory. He later added a second ODI appearance on 31 October 2026, scoring 61 against Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, his highest ODI score to date.

Across eight ODIs he has amassed 209 runs at 29.86 and taken 16 wickets at 18.44, highlighted by a career‑best 6/40 against England at Rawalpindi on 20 October 2026, a performance that also featured a maiden half‑century of 59. In T20Is, debuting on 3 October 2023 versus Hong Kong, he has recorded 81 runs at an average of 81 and seven wickets at 17.86, with a top score of 34 not out against Sri Lanka on 13 October 2026. His all‑round contributions earned him Player of the Match awards and the Player of the Series title in the 2026 ODI tri‑series.

Arafat Minhas’ franchise and league career

Within the Pakistan Super League, Minhas has been part of the Multan Sultans squad since the 2023 draft, offering left‑arm spin and lower‑order hitting. His role with the Sultans has allowed him to refine his variations against international quality batsmen, while also contributing in the field with two catches in his early PSL outings.

The following season, Karachi Kings secured Minhas in the silver category for the 2024 PSL, expanding his franchise experience. These stints have complemented his international duties, providing regular competitive action and exposure to diverse playing conditions, which have been reflected in his improving economy rates and strike‑rates across formats.

Arafat Minhas’ playing style

Minhas bats left‑handed, favouring an aggressive approach that combines quick footwork with a repertoire of lofted shots. His T20I strike rate of 130.65 and ODI strike rate of 99.52 illustrate his ability to accelerate the scoring rate, particularly in the middle overs where he often targets gaps and employs powerful drives.

With the ball he delivers left‑arm orthodox spin, relying on flight, turn and subtle variations in pace. His ODI economy of 4.43 and best figures of 6/40 demonstrate his capacity to both contain runs and take wickets, especially on sub‑continental pitches that aid spin. Fielding is another asset, as evidenced by his two catches in ODIs and two in T20Is.

Arafat Minhas’ records and achievements

Minhas holds the distinction of being the first Pakistani spinner to claim a five‑wicket haul on ODI debut, achieving 5/32 against Australia on 30 May 2026. He later recorded the best ODI bowling figures for Pakistan with 6/40 against England on 20 October 2026, a performance that also featured a half‑century, making him only the third Pakistani to score fifty and take five wickets in the same ODI.

His batting milestones include a top ODI score of 61 against Sri Lanka on 31 October 2026 and a maiden international fifty of 59 against England earlier that month. In T20Is his highest score is an unbeaten 34 against Sri Lanka on 13 October 2026. He has been named Player of the Match on multiple occasions, notably in the 20 October 2026 ODI where his six‑wicket haul helped Pakistan defeat England by 87 runs.

Arafat Minhas’ personal life

Arafet Minhas hails from a Rajput family in Multan, Punjab. His father, Kashif Minhas, a former Under‑19 cricketer, has been instrumental in his development, guiding his training from a young age and serving as his primary role model. Minhas has spoken of his admiration for AB de Villiers, citing the South African's innovative batting as an inspiration.

Beyond cricket, Minhas has balanced his sporting commitments with education, though specific academic details are not widely publicised. He remains closely connected to his family, who have supported his journey from club cricket in Multan to representing Pakistan on the international stage.

Arafat Minhas: frequently asked questions

When was Arafat Minhas born?

Arafat Minhas was born on 2 January 2005.

Which teams has Arafat Minhas played for?

Arafat Minhas plays international cricket for Pakistan.

When did Arafat Minhas make an international debut?

Arafat Minhas made an ODI debut against Australia at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 30 May 2026. Arafat Minhas made a T20I debut against Hong Kong at Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket Field on 3 October 2023.