We know cricketers by their names and the records they set on the field. However, did you know that several renowned cricketers have changed their names completely during their careers or at a pivotal
point in their lives? Some individuals made the change following a religious conversion, while others did so for cultural identity or personal reasons.
Mohammad Yousuf: From Yousuf Youhana
Pakistan’s legendary batter Yousuf Youhana is perhaps the most talked-about name on this list. Born into a Christian family, he was the fourth Christian cricketer to represent Pakistan. In 2005, he converted to Islam and changed his name to Mohammad Yousuf.
Following his conversion, it was observed that Yousuf’s game improved dramatically. In 2006, he set a world record for the most Test runs in a calendar year with 1,788 runs, an achievement that is extremely difficult to surpass. He also holds the record for the most centuries (9) and the most scores of 150-plus in a calendar year.
Born in Lahore, Yousuf scored 7,530 runs in 90 Tests with 24 centuries, 9,720 runs in 288 ODIs with 15 centuries, and 50 runs in three T20 internationals. During his cricket career, he was influenced by Saeed Anwar’s speeches and embraced Islam, adopting the name Mohammad Yousuf.
Tillakaratne Dilshan: From Tuwan Mohamad Dilshan
Sri Lanka’s explosive opener and inventor of the ‘Dilscoop’ shot, Tillakaratne Dilshan, was born into a Muslim family as Tuwan Mohamad Dilshan. His father was Muslim, and his mother was Buddhist. After his parents separated, Dilshan adopted his mother’s religion, Buddhism, and changed his name to Tillakaratne Mudiyanselage Dilshan.
Following this change, he took Sri Lankan cricket to new heights. Known for his aggressive batting, Dilshan was also effective with off-break bowling. In his 17-year international career, he played 87 Tests, 330 ODIs, and 80 T20 internationals, scoring 5,492 runs and taking 39 wickets in Tests, 10,290 runs and 106 wickets in ODIs, and 1,889 runs and 9 wickets in T20s.
Suraj Randiv: From Mohamed Marshuk Mohamed Suraj
Suraj Randiv, the Sri Lankan off-spinner famous for bowling a no-ball to Indian opener Virender Sehwag, was also born into a Muslim family. Originally named Mohamed Marshuk Mohamed Suraj, he reportedly adopted Buddhism in 2010 and changed his name to Suraj Randiv during his career.
Randiv represented Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup final but later moved to Australia after leaving cricket. In 2010, during an ODI tri-series, India required just one run to win when Randiv bowled a no-ball, giving Sri Lanka the victory and denying Sehwag a century. Randiv took 43 wickets in 12 Tests, 36 wickets in three ODIs, and 7 wickets in seven T20 internationals.
Asghar Afghan: From Asghar Stanikzai
One of Afghanistan’s most successful captains, Asghar Stanikzai, decided to change his surname in 2018. He adopted the name Asghar Afghan to honour his national identity, expressing a desire for his identity to be closely linked with his country.
Under his leadership, Afghanistan played its first Test match and made a mark on the international stage. Asghar Afghan played 6 Tests, 114 ODIs, and 75 T20 internationals between 2009 and 2021.
