Aarif Sheikh (Nepali: आरिफ शेख्; born 5 October 1997) is a Nepalese cricketer who plays for the Nepal national cricket team. A right-handed batsman and right-arm medium-pace bowler, he previously served as vice-captain of the Nepal under-19 cricket team before progressing to the senior side. He was among the eleven cricketers who featured in Nepal's first-ever One Day International (ODI) match in August 2018.
| Full name | Aarif Sheikh |
|---|---|
| Born | 5 October 1997 |
| Nationality | Nepalese |
| Batting | Right-handed |
| Bowling | Right-arm medium pace |
| National side | Nepal |
| List A debut | 21 January 2015, vs Namibia |
| ODI debut | August 2018, vs Netherlands |
| Former role | Vice-captain, Nepal U-19 |
Aarif Sheikh emerged through Nepal's age-group cricket system, where he held the position of vice-captain in the under-19 setup before being promoted to senior international duty. He is the elder brother of Aasif Sheikh, a wicket-keeper batter who also represents Nepal. Aarif has been credited with mentoring his younger brother during their formative years in the sport.
Aarif made his List A debut for Nepal during the 2015 ICC World Cricket League Division Two tournament, appearing against Namibia on 21 January 2015. The tournament was part of Nepal's pathway through the ICC's associate-tier competitions.
In August 2018, Aarif was selected in Nepal's playing eleven for the country's first-ever ODI, played against the Netherlands national cricket team. The fixture marked a historic milestone for Cricket in Nepal following the team's acquisition of ODI status.
Since 2021, Aarif and his younger brother Aasif have featured together in the Nepal national side, principally in the ODI format of the game.
As one of the cricketers to feature in Nepal's first ODI, Aarif Sheikh is part of a small group associated with a foundational moment in Nepalese cricket history. His all-round skill set as a right-handed batsman and medium-pace bowler, along with his earlier role guiding the under-19 side, situates him among the players who bridged Nepal's transition from associate competition to ODI status.
Q17388748