Fahim Ashraf

Faheem Ashraf (; born 16 January 1994) is a Pakistani international cricketer who represents the national side and plays first-class cricket for Faisalabad.

In August 2018, he was one of 33 players to be awarded a central contract for the 2018–19 season by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Faheem Ashraf is the first Pakistani to take a hat-trick in the T20 format of the game.

Early life and career He was born into a Punjabi Rajput family in Phool Nagar, a town located in Kasur, Punjab. His father Rana Muhammad Ashraf is an influential lawyer.

He has two sisters and six brothers.

Faheem began his professional cricket journey in 2010 by playing in the inter-district Under-19 competition in the Faisalabad region. Later, he played for the Faisalabad Under-19 team before being remarked in 2013, when he played at senior district-level tournament for Kasur, eventually joining the Faisalabad team for the 2013–14 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. He was the leading wicket-taker in the 2016–17 Departmental One Day Cup, taking 19 wickets. He was also the leading wicket-taker for Punjab in the 2017 Pakistan Cup, with eight dismissals in four matches.

In September 2019, he was named in Central Punjab's squad for the 2019–20 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy tournament.

International career In March 2017, Faheem was named in Pakistan's One Day International (ODI) squad for their series against the West Indies, although he did not play. In April 2017, he was named in Pakistan's ODI squad for the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.

In an ICC Champions Trophy warm-up match against Bangladesh, Ashraf scored 64 runs in Pakistan's two-wicket win. He made his ODI debut for Pakistan against Sri Lanka in the Champions Trophy on 12 June 2017, dismissing Dinesh Chandimal for his first ODI wicket.

In April 2018, he was named in Pakistan's Test squad for their tours to Ireland and England in May 2018. He made his Test debut for Pakistan, against Ireland, on 11 May 2018. Ashraf scored 83 on debut against Ireland, followed by a quick 37 off 38 balls at Lord's in the 1st Test against England, and later took 3 for 60 at Headingley, in the 2nd Test against England, Pakistan's best bowling performance in an innings defeat.

In July 2018, he took his first five-wicket haul in ODIs, against Zimbabwe, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The following month, he was named the PCB's Emerging Player of the Year.

In April 2019, he was named in Pakistan's squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. However, on 20 May 2019, he was dropped from Pakistan's squad, after they announced their final team for the tournament.

In June 2020, he was named in a 29-man squad for Pakistan's tour to England during the COVID-19 pandemic. In July, he was shortlisted in Pakistan's 20-man squad for the Test matches against England.

In January 2021, he was named in Pakistan's Test squad for their series against South Africa. In the first Test, Ashraf scored 64 with the bat.

In March 2022, during Pakistan's home Test series against Australia, Ashraf bowled a disciplined spell that contributed to creating early wicket-taking opportunities. His consistent line and movement were noted by commentators as helping maintain pressure on the Australian batting lineup, even on pitches offering limited assistance to bowlers.

T20 franchise career

PSL career In November 2017, he was drafted in by Islamabad United from Gold category (earning between US$50,000-US$60,000) in the 2018 Pakistan Super League players draft. Faheem played an integral part in team's winning the 2018 season. Faheem took 18 wickets and scored runs in crucial moments for his side. He was the leading wicket-taker of the tournament and won the best bowler of the season award at the end of the season along with a maroon cap.

In December 2021, he was signed by Islamabad United following the players' draft for the 2022 Pakistan Super League.

On 11 February 2026, Islamabad United signed Ashraf for PKR 8.50 crore, making him the second-most expensive signing in the first-ever Pakistan Super League auction.

Other leagues In September 2018, he was named in Paktia's squad in the first edition of the Afghanistan Premier League tournament.

In July 2022, he was signed by the Galle Gladiators for the third edition of the Lanka Premier League.

In August 2022, he was signed by Hobart Hurricanes for BBL 12.

Faheem Ashraf was appointed captain of the Pakistan team for the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2024 tournament.

Playing style

Faheem Ashraf is a seam-bowling all-rounder known for his control with the ball and lower-order batting contributions. In Test cricket, he has been described as providing Pakistan with an additional bowling option capable of maintaining consistent spells.

Bowling

Although not among the fastest bowlers in Pakistan's attack, he is noted for his ability to extract movement and maintain consistent lines, complementing the efforts of the frontline pacers.

Batting

With the bat, Ashraf has been recognized for his attacking style in the lower order. He has played several important innings under pressure, including an unbeaten 78 against South Africa and a 91 in New Zealand, both scored in situations where Pakistan's top order had struggled.