Arul Suppiah

Arul Vivasvan Suppiah (born 30 August 1983) is a former Malaysian cricketer. As a right-handed batsman and left-arm orthodox spin bowler, he played for the Malaysia national cricket team and county cricket in England for Somerset County Cricket Club. His career highs involve holding a world record for best Twenty20 bowling figures His elder brother Rohan also played for Malaysia.

Biography

Early career Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Arul Suppiah was heavily involved in cricket from a young age as his father played for local club, Selangor and his mother scored. It was cricket legend, Sir Richard Hadlee, who witnessed Suppiah's raw talent whilst coaching in Malaysia and tipped the 11-year-old as a future Test player. Suppiah then trained at Lord's under Clive Radley before being awarded a cricket scholarship from Millfield School. Suppiah moved to England to attend Millfield School and further his cricket career. at the age of 15,

He next played for Malaysia in the 2000 ACC Trophy and in the 2001 Saudara Cup match, but commitments in England began to reduce his availability for Malaysia.

He had also made his List A debut in 2002, playing for the Somerset Cricket Board against Cornwall in the C&G Trophy in August. In September he played four Norwich Union League matches for Somerset. He was not yet a regular member of the Somerset first team which was won by Somerset.

On 5 July 2011, Suppiah set a new world record for best Twenty20 bowling figures, recording 6 for 5 from 3.4 overs for Somerset against Glamorgan at Cardiff. He followed this up with a career best first-class innings of 156 against India, in the touring side's warm-up match before the Test series against England.

On 4 July 2013, Suppiah retired from professional cricket with immediate effect at the age of 29 due to serious injuries in both of his knees. He was Awarded a Benefit Year in 2013 for his 13-year loyal service and contributions to Somerset County Cricket Club. He went onto become a teacher of business studies and work as the Director of Cricket at Queen's College Taunton. In 2018, in advance of the London Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Suppiah was invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace by Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II to recognise the contribution of those in the Commonwealth diaspora from across the UK who have made a notable contribution, either of their own, or the wider community. Suppiah is also an athlete involved with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust offering long term mentoring support to young people. He also works with Shaw Trust, one of the UKs largest charities, supporting adults and young people with learning disabilities.

Personal life In May 2025, Suppiah revealed that he was anorexic.