Arafat Minhas ripped through England’s top order, snaring a 5‑wicket haul that left the crowd roaring and the opposition stunned. The spell, delivered in a high‑pressure match, saw him dismantle the batting lineup with crisp leg‑breaks that turned the tide.
Before this, Arafat had only featured in five ODIs and seven T20Is, but his two five‑wicket hauls—one each against Australia and England—have already sent a clear message: he’s a genuine threat. Coaches praised his ability to swing the ball both ways and his composure when wickets were on the line.
The drama unfolded behind the boundary rope. Kashif Minhas, the father‑photographer, was perched with his camera, his hand trembling as the ball found the gap. When Arafat was dismissed, the dad’s hand fell to his camera—his face turned blue—and the moment was instantly caught by the broadcast team. The clip went viral, turning a simple family photo session into a national sensation.
This isn’t the first time the Minhas family’s passion has been spotlighted. Arafat’s younger brother, Sameer, exploded with a 172 off 113 balls in the U‑19 Asia Cup final, while the third brother, Abdullah, is already making waves at the Under‑17 level. The father’s story—a former regional cricketer who gave up the game for business—underscores the sacrifices that pave the way for a sporting legacy.
With the Asia Cup on the horizon, Arafat’s performance adds weight to Pakistan’s bowling options. The national selectors are set to weigh him against other emerging spinners, and the fans are already chanting his name. Meanwhile, the Minhas household remains a hotbed of cricketing dreams, ready for the next big moment.
What’s next: Pakistan faces India in the opening Asia Cup match, and Arafat Minhas will be a key weapon in the bowling attack.