Abdullah Shafique

Biography

Abdullah Shafique is a talented Pakistani international cricketer who has quickly established himself as a key player across all formats of the game. Born on November 20, 1999, in Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan, he is a right-handed top-order batsman with the ability to bowl right-arm off-breaks, although he is primarily known for his batting prowess.   

Shafique's family has a strong connection to cricket. His father, Shafiq Ahmed, is a former professional cricketer and coach based in Dubai, and his uncle, Arshad Ali, played international cricket for the United Arab Emirates. Under his father's guidance, Abdullah began his cricket training at a young age.   

He made his first-class debut for Central Punjab in the 2019–20 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, impressively scoring 133 runs. His Twenty20 debut followed in September 2020 for the same team in the National T20 Cup, where he scored a century (102 not out). This remarkable feat made him the first Pakistani batsman to score a century on debut in both first-class and T20 cricket. He was later picked by Lahore Qalandars for the 2022 Pakistan Super League (PSL).   

Shafique's international career commenced in the T20I format against Zimbabwe on November 10, 2020. He was also named in Pakistan's ODI squad against Zimbabwe in the same year, although he did not play. His Test debut came on November 26, 2021, against Bangladesh. He scored his maiden Test century against Australia in February 2022. His ODI debut was against the Netherlands on August 21, 2022.   

A significant milestone in his ODI career was his debut in the ICC Cricket World Cup in October 2023 against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad, India. He marked this occasion with his maiden ODI century (113 runs), leading Pakistan to a record-breaking successful run chase in World Cup history.

As of May 2025, Abdullah Shafique has played 22 Test matches, scoring 1504 runs with an average of 38.56, including 5 centuries and 5 half-centuries, with a highest score of 201. In 24 ODIs, he has scored 682 runs at an average of 31, including one century and six half-centuries, with a highest score of 113. He has also played 6 T20Is, scoring 64 runs.   

Abdullah Shafique is considered a bright prospect for Pakistan cricket, known for his solid technique and composed approach at the top of the order. Outside of cricket, he enjoys music, sings, and plays the guitar.