Full Name: Sharafuddin Ashraf Date of Birth: January 10, 1995 Birthplace: Kabul, Afghanistan Teams: Afghanistan National Team, Amo Region, Boost Defenders (Shpageeza League) In a nation known for its flamboyant spinners like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf has built his reputation quietly — not with theatrics, but with discipline, consistency, and control. A left-arm orthodox bowler who brings stability to Afghanistan’s spin-rich bowling unit, Sharafuddin is one of those players whose impact may not always make headlines, but whose presence strengthens the team's core. Born in Kabul in 1995, Sharafuddin grew up in a cricket-loving family. Like many Afghan children during the 2000s, his early cricket was played on uneven grounds, with taped tennis balls and makeshift stumps. Despite limited resources, his passion was relentless. What separated Sharafuddin from many was his patience and ability to stick to basics — a trait that would later become his trademark. He broke into the national setup during a time of intense competition, making his ODI debut in July 2014 against Zimbabwe. Although he didn’t grab headlines instantly, his debut performance was impressive — 3 wickets for 29 runs — signaling that Afghanistan had found another spin option to support their rapidly developing bowling attack. Sharafuddin’s bowling is built around accuracy and flight, rather than mystery. He doesn’t rely on flashy deliveries or unplayable variations. Instead, he uses subtle changes in pace, intelligent field settings, and unwavering line-and-length bowling to build pressure. His style has earned him a reputation as a “bowler’s bowler” — trusted by captains, respected by teammates, and quietly effective. In ODIs and T20Is, he’s often tasked with bowling during the middle overs, when containing runs and forcing mistakes becomes crucial. His ability to maintain tight spells under pressure makes him a valuable asset, especially on turning pitches. While his opportunities have sometimes been limited due to the abundance of spin talent in Afghanistan, he’s never failed to deliver when called upon. Beyond his bowling, Sharafuddin is also a handy lower-order batsman. Though he hasn't had many chances to showcase his skills with the bat at the international level, in domestic cricket, he has played key cameos to lift his teams from trouble. His all-round capabilities make him a well-rounded cricketer who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. In Afghanistan's domestic circuit — including the Shpageeza Cricket League — Sharafuddin has been a consistent performer. His leadership qualities and work ethic have made him a mentor for many emerging players. Young spinners look up to him not for flashy fame, but for discipline, humility, and hard-earned respect. Off the field, Sharafuddin is soft-spoken and deeply committed to his game. He keeps a low profile, preferring to let his performances speak. For fans who follow Afghan cricket closely, he’s a name associated with reliability, work ethic, and grace under pressure. As Afghanistan continues to evolve as a cricketing force, players like Sharafuddin Ashraf ensure that the team isn’t just built on stardom, but on substance. He may not always be in the limelight, but he’s always there — ready, prepared, and quietly contributing to every victory.