Aarif Sheikh is a Nepalese cricketer. He was best known for his roles as the vice-captain of the Nepal national under-19 cricket team and his current position in the senior team. As an all-rounder, Aarif showcases his skills as a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-pace bowler. His international debut for Nepal was against Hong Kong in May 2014. Aarif represents the APF Club in the National League and GoldenGate International College in the SPA Cup. He made history as one of the eleven cricketers to participate in Nepal's inaugural One Day International (ODI) match against the Netherlands in August 2018. Additionally, in September 2020, he was among the eighteen cricketers honored with central contracts by the Cricket Association of Nepal.
Aarif Sheikh, a Nepalese cricketer, has held significant roles as the vice-captain of the Nepal national under-19 cricket team and currently as a member of the senior team. Displaying versatility, he excels as a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-pace bowler. Aarif made his international debut for Nepal against Hong Kong in May 2014 and represents the APF Club in the National League, along with GoldenGate International College in the SPA Cup.
Born on October 5, 1997, in Birgunj, Nepal, Aarif Sheikh holds Nepalese nationality and belongs to Nepalese-Asian ethnicity. While he has not publicly disclosed his parents' names, he is known to have a younger brother named Aasif Sheikh, who has represented the Nepal under-19 cricket team. Aarif has played a mentoring role for his younger brother during their childhood, guiding him on his cricketing journey.
Aarif Sheikh's cricket journey began with the Nepal Under-19 team in the 2014 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup, where he performed impressively against Pakistan, India, and UAE. His talents were further highlighted when he was named Player of the Tournament in a Kathmandu one-day competition, amassing 261 runs with a remarkable average of 52.20 and securing 11 wickets. This led to his selection in Nepal's national squad for the 2014 ACC Premier League, where he notably took 2 wickets against Hong Kong, including the dismissal of their captain, Jamie Atkinson. After a training stint in India, he continued to excel in the 2014 ICC World Cricket League Division Three tournament and made his List A debut during the 2015 ICC World Cricket League Division Two in Namibia in January 2015.
In January 2018, Aarif Sheikh represented Nepal in the 2018 ICC World Cricket League Division Two. He then joined Nepal's squad for their One Day International (ODI) series against the Netherlands in July 2018, marking Nepal's first ODI matches since gaining ODI status during the 2018 Cricket World Cup Qualifier. Aarif made his Twenty20 debut for Nepal in the 2018 MCC Tri-Nation Series against the Marylebone Cricket Club and simultaneously debuted in Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket against the Netherlands on the same day. His ODI debut followed in a match against the Netherlands on August 1, 2018. Aarif's cricketing journey included participation in first-class cricket, the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Bangladesh, and the men's cricket tournament at the 2019 South Asian Games, where Nepal secured the bronze medal. Additionally, in September 2020, he was one of eighteen cricketers awarded central contracts by the Cricket Association of Nepal.
Aarif Sheikh, the talented cricketer, has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million as of 2023, primarily derived from his successful cricket career. With an annual salary that amounts to thousands of dollars, he is content with his earnings, enabling him to lead a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle.
Nepalese cricketer Aarif Sheikh possesses a striking appearance, characterized by his tall and athletic physique. Standing at a height of 1.70 meters and weighing approximately 68 kilograms, he maintains a fit and robust body. Complementing his athletic build, Aarif's features include captivating brown eyes and black hair, contributing to his overall handsome demeanor.
Aarif Sheikh made history as one of the eleven cricketers to represent Nepal in their inaugural One Day International (ODI) match against the Netherlands in August 2018, marking a significant moment in Nepal's cricketing journey.
Aarif Sheikh, a prominent figure in Nepal's cricketing landscape, is known for his role as a right-handed batsman. With his solid batting technique and right-arm medium-paced bowling, he has contributed significantly to the national team's performance. Aarif's primary role as a batsman has been instrumental in Nepal's cricketing achievements, showcasing his prowess with the bat and his ability to anchor the team's innings. His right-handed batting style and versatility make him a valuable asset to the squad, providing stability and firepower when needed.
Aarif Sheikh's close ties to cricket extend to his younger brother, Aasif Sheikh, who has made a name for himself in the sport. Aasif's cricketing journey began in the Nepal under-19 cricket team, where he showcased his talent and potential. Aarif, being the elder sibling and a seasoned cricketer himself, has played a pivotal role in mentoring his brother during their formative years. A notable highlight in Aasif's career was his remarkable innings of 111* in the final of the 2016 Everest Premier League, a performance that significantly contributed to his team, Panchakanya Tej, clinching the championship title.