In 2022, Aasif Sheikh achieved something unprecedented in Nepal cricket history. He became the first Nepali player to win both the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award and the prestigious Christopher Martin-Jenkins (CMJ) Spirit of Cricket Award presented by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that he was just 21 years old at the time.

The awards recognized his decision not to run out Ireland’s Andy McBrine during a T20I match in Oman on February 14, 2022, when McBrine accidentally tripped over Nepal bowler Kamal Singh Airee while attempting a run. Despite having a clear opportunity to run out the Irish batsman—something well within the rules—Aasif chose sportsmanship over victory, exemplifying the true spirit of cricket.

This gesture not only earned him international acclaim but also established him as a role model for young cricketers worldwide. His actions proved that being a gentleman on the field is just as important as technical skills.

A Cricket Legacy Born on Birgunj Streets

Born on January 22, 2001, in Birgunj, Aasif Sheikh’s cricket journey began near the iconic Narayani Stadium. His older brother, Aarif Sheikh, who also represents Nepal internationally, was his first cricket mentor and inspiration. The brothers would play cricket together in their neighborhood, with young Aasif often bowling to his elder sibling during practice sessions.

The Early Days

When cricket balls went out of bounds during street games, it was Aasif’s job to fetch them—the typical role of a younger brother. Little did anyone know that this ball-chaser would grow up to become Nepal’s most reliable wicketkeeper-batsman and a two-time international award winner.

Aasif attended Vidya Sadan School, where he received a scholarship that eased his cricket pursuits. His father was passionate about cricket, providing crucial family support that allowed both brothers to pursue their dreams. This family environment played a pivotal role in shaping Aasif’s cricket career.

The Wicketkeeping Evolution

While bowling for his brother during practice sessions, Aasif unknowingly developed his wicketkeeping skills. Standing behind the stumps became second nature, and his natural hand-eye coordination made him a perfect fit for the role. This early foundation would later make him Nepal’s first-choice wicketkeeper across all formats.

Youth Cricket Success and Leadership Experience

District to International Recognition

In 2012, at just 11 years old, Aasif delivered an impressive performance in the Birgunj district selections. That same year, he was selected for the ACC U-16 Elite Cup, marking his first major representative cricket opportunity.

In 2014, he played in the U-16 Premier League in Malaysia under the captaincy of Purnit Thapa Magar, where Nepal won the championship. Aasif served as vice-captain of that victorious team, gaining invaluable leadership experience at a young age.

Captaincy at Youth Level

Due to his maturity and cricket intelligence, Aasif became captain of Nepal’s U-16 team. His leadership continued at the U-19 level, where he captained Nepal in multiple tournaments, including:

• 2017 ACC U-19 Asia Cup in Malaysia – His first major captaincy assignment
• 2018 U-19 Tri-Nation Series in Lucknow, India (featuring Nepal, India, and Afghanistan)
• 2018 ACC U-19 Asia Cup in Bangladesh – Leading Nepal against top Asian teams

He also played four U-19 Asia Cups in total, twice as captain and twice under the captaincy of Rohit Paudel, who would later become Nepal’s senior team captain.

The Everest Premier League Century

In 2016, Aasif made waves with a stunning century in the Everest Premier League final. Playing for Panchakanya Tej, he scored an unbeaten 111 runs, leading his team to the championship. This innings announced his arrival as a serious batting talent and brought him widespread attention in Nepal cricket circles.

Senior Cricket Breakthrough

The Emerging Teams Experience

While still competing at the U-19 level, Aasif received a surprise call-up to Nepal’s senior team. In March 2017, at just 15 years old, he made his debut for the senior squad in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Bangladesh, facing Bangladesh U-23. This early exposure to senior cricket accelerated his development significantly.

Following in Legendary Footsteps

As a wicketkeeper-batsman who opens the innings, Aasif fills a role previously occupied by Nepal legends Mahesh Chhetri and Subash Khakurel. After Binod Bhandari’s time with the national team ended, Aasif has become virtually irreplaceable as Nepal’s primary wicketkeeper across formats.

International Debut: A Dream Start

T20 International Debut Against Netherlands

On April 17, 2021, under the guidance of World Cup-winning coach Dave Whatmore, Aasif made his T20 International debut alongside Kushal Bhurtel in a tri-nation series match against the Netherlands in Kirtipur.

Chasing 137 runs, Aasif opened the innings with Bhurtel and scored an unbeaten 54 runs off just 38 balls. His knock included four boundaries and four sixes—a perfect balance of power and placement. The opening partnership of 116 runs effectively sealed the match, with Nepal reaching the target in just 15 overs with 141 runs.

Both debutants, Aasif and Kushal, got their opportunity because former captain Paras Khadka was injured. They seized the chance with both hands, never looking back since that memorable day.

ODI Debut Against Papua New Guinea

Aasif made his ODI debut in September 2021 against Papua New Guinea in Oman. Once again, he debuted alongside Kushal Bhurtel, cementing their partnership as Nepal’s opening combination across formats.

In his ODI debut, Aasif scored 30 runs off 46 balls with four boundaries. Nepal bowled brilliantly to dismiss PNG for just 134 runs, then chased down the target losing only two wickets, securing a comfortable eight-wicket victory.

Career Statistics and Achievements

ODI Success

Aasif holds the record for the most ODI half-centuries by a Nepal player, with 13 fifties to his name. His classical batting style, built on solid technique and clean strokeplay, has made him one of the most reliable batsmen in Associate cricket.

T20 International Consistency

In T20Is, Aasif has established himself as a consistent performer at the top of the order. His ability to provide solid starts while maintaining a healthy strike rate makes him invaluable to Nepal’s batting plans.

Recent Form

In October 2025, Aasif scored a fluent 50 runs off just 34 deliveries against the West Indies, decorated with eight fours, proving his ability to perform against top-tier opposition. The knock demonstrated maturity, timing, and composure that has become his trademark.

The Spirit of Cricket Incident: A Defining Moment

What Happened in Oman

During the 19th over of Ireland’s innings in a T20I match on February 14, 2022, in Al Amerat, Oman, Irish batsman Andy McBrine attempted a quick run. While running, he accidentally collided with Nepal bowler Kamal Singh Airee and fell to the ground.

Aasif Sheikh, standing behind the stumps with the ball in hand, had a clear opportunity to run McBrine out. The rules would have allowed it—the Irish batsman was well out of his crease. However, Aasif chose not to dislodge the bails, recognizing that McBrine had been accidentally obstructed rather than attempting to gain an unfair advantage.

Recognition from Cricket’s Highest Authorities

This gesture earned him the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award in January 2023. Two months later, in March 2023, he received the Christopher Martin-Jenkins Spirit of Cricket Award from the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club), presented annually in conjunction with the BBC.

The CMJ Award, established in 2013 to honor the late cricket commentator Christopher Martin-Jenkins, recognizes players who exemplify the spirit of cricket through their actions on the field. Previous winners include established international stars, making Aasif’s inclusion even more prestigious.

Why These Awards Matter

Winning both the ICC and MCC Spirit Awards puts Aasif in elite company globally. It demonstrates that success in cricket isn’t measured solely by runs scored or wickets taken, but also by the character displayed on the field.

For Nepal cricket, these awards brought unprecedented positive attention. They showed the cricket world that Nepal produces not just talented players but also gentlemen who understand cricket’s deeper values.

Playing Style and Strengths

As a Batsman

Aasif employs a classical right-handed batting technique focused on:

• Timing over power – He rarely forces shots, preferring to let the ball come to him
• Strong technique – Solid defense forms the foundation of his batting
• Opening consistency – Provides stability at the top of the order
• Adaptability – Can anchor innings or accelerate when needed
• Placement – Finds gaps efficiently rather than relying on brute force

As a Wicketkeeper

Behind the stumps, Aasif displays:

• Quick reflexes – Especially effective against spin bowling
• Safe hands – Reliable in collecting edges and stumpings
• Positive energy – Encourages bowlers and maintains team morale
• Communication skills – Constantly organizing the field

Current Teams and Franchise Cricket

Aasif represents multiple teams across different formats:

• International: Nepal National Team (all formats)
• Domestic: Armed Police Force Club (Prime Minister Cup)
• Franchise: Panchakanya Tej (Everest Premier League)
• Franchise: Pokhara Paltan (Pokhara Premier League)

His participation in various franchise leagues has enhanced his experience against different bowling attacks and playing conditions, making him a more complete cricketer.

Impact on Nepal Cricket

A New Generation Leader

Born in 2001, Aasif represents Nepal cricket’s new generation. Along with contemporaries like Rohit Paudel, Kushal Bhurtel, and Gulsan Jha, he’s part of the young core that will define Nepal cricket for the next decade.

Setting Standards Beyond Statistics

While his batting statistics are impressive, Aasif’s greatest contribution might be raising the behavioral standards expected from Nepal cricketers. His Spirit of Cricket awards have shown young players that reputation and character matter as much as performance.

International Recognition

Nepal cricket struggles for visibility in the crowded international cricket landscape. Aasif’s dual Spirit Awards brought Nepal positive global attention, helping the cricket world recognize Nepal as a nation that plays cricket the right way.

The Road Ahead

At just 24 years old as of 2025, Aasif has potentially 10-15 years of international cricket ahead of him. Nepal’s ambitions to qualify for future World Cups and eventually achieve Test status depend significantly on players like him maintaining consistency and leadership.

Upcoming Challenges

Nepal competes regularly in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, where they face strong opposition including Scotland, Namibia, Oman, and the UAE. Aasif’s role as opener and wicketkeeper makes him crucial to Nepal’s qualification hopes for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

Beyond Playing

Given his leadership experience at youth levels and his reputation as a gentleman cricketer, Aasif seems destined for future captaincy roles or coaching positions once his playing career concludes.

Conclusion: More Than Just Statistics

Aasif Sheikh’s story transcends cricket statistics. Yes, he holds records for most ODI fifties by a Nepal player. Yes, he’s a reliable wicketkeeper and consistent opener. But his true legacy may be showing that cricket, at its best, is about more than winning—it’s about how you play the game.

In an era where sledging and aggressive behavior often dominate headlines, Aasif chose a different path. His decision not to run out Andy McBrine cost Nepal nothing in that match but earned global respect worth far more than any victory.

From the streets of Birgunj to international awards, from fetching cricket balls for his brother to becoming Nepal’s premier wicketkeeper-batsman, Aasif Sheikh embodies what makes cricket special. He’s proof that talent, hard work, and character can take you anywhere.

For young cricketers in Nepal and beyond, Aasif Sheikh represents the ideal—technically sound, mentally strong, and morally upright. That’s a legacy that will endure long after his playing days end.

For more information about Nepal cricket and player statistics, visit ESPN Cricinfo’s Nepal Cricket Page.