Kannur youngster can’t wait to represent the UAE against India in Asia Cup

A Malayali youngster representing the hosts, the United Arab Emirates, can't wait to take on favourites India in the upcoming Asia Cup.

Alishan Sharafu, 22, who has roots in Pazhayangadi in the Kannur district, is excited to play against India and Pakistan in the T20 event set to begin on September 9.

"We are looking at it as an opportunity," Sharafu said about the UAE team. "India, obviously (are) one of the best sides in world cricket right now, (so) who wouldn't want to do well?," he said in an interaction organised by Sony Sports, the official broadcasters of the tournament.

The right-hander was part of the UAE team that defeated Bangladesh in a T20 cricket match in Sharjah in May to register the Emirates cricket team's first victory over the Test-playing nation.

Sharafu admires a host of Indian stars, from Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni to Virat Kohli, but among the current crop of players, he is a fan of Hardik Pandya.

"Hardik is one player that I really admire. I like the way he plays and the calmness and composure that he offers to his team," Sharafu said.

"He's a fighter; he has had his ups and downs. As an athlete, that's one quality that you have to possess. Just looking at the way he goes about his cricket, it's just admirable. I've looked up to Ben Stokes and Hardik Pandya for just the fighters that they've been and (all that) they offer," he said.

Sharafu has represented the UAE in various age groups, including as captain of the U-19s. He began his cricketing journey at 10 in Dubai. He averages over 30 in T20Is with a strike rate of nearly 134. He finished as their fourth-highest run-scorer in T20Is in 2024 with 770 runs.

The UAE will take on India in the second match of the event on September 10, before playing Oman (Sept 15) and Pakistan (Sept 17).