New Delhi, November 10, 2025: In a proud moment for Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), alumnus Sohaib Khan has been selected for the UAE National Cricket Team to participate in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 (2024–2026) and the Asia Cup Rising Stars Tournament 2025 to be held in Doha, Qatar.

Sohaib completed both his schooling and graduation from Jamia Millia Islamia, where he began shaping his cricketing career. He represented the university in the Inter-University Cricket Championship, showcasing consistent performances that paved his path to professional cricket.

His journey began in 2014 during his 10+2 schooling at JMI, under the guidance of coaches Mr. Zeeshan Wasi and Mr. Adeel Ahmed, the latter being a cricketing colleague of India’s legendary batsman Virender Sehwag. In 2016, Sohaib earned promotion to the university cricket team, representing JMI in the North Zone Inter-University Tournament under coach Mr. Sanjay Gill and the mentorship of Prof. Nafis Ahmad, then Cricket President of JMI.

After registering with the Gaya District Cricket Association under the Bihar Cricket Association in 2016, following its BCCI affiliation, Sohaib went on to play three consecutive Inter-University cricket seasons organized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)—two for Jamia Millia Islamia (2017, 2018) and one for Magadh University, Bodh Gaya (2019).

Known for his elegant stroke play and dependable batting, Sohaib scored several brisk centuries across domestic tournaments, becoming a sought-after player for corporate teams in Delhi-NCR, including Collage, Uflex, and FCI.

In 2021, he moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to pursue his professional cricket aspirations. Based in Sharjah, he competed in multiple Emirates Cricket Board (ECB)-affiliated tournaments such as the Emirates D50, D20, and D10 leagues, representing the Ajman Cricket Council. His consistent performances across four seasons (2021–2025) at premier venues like the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, and ICC Academy, Dubai, earned him recognition as a promising batsman in UAE’s domestic circuit.

In September 2025, Sohaib was picked by Dubai Capitals (the UAE franchise of Delhi Capitals, IPL) for their Development Tournament, further solidifying his professional credentials. Although he went unsold in the ILT20 auction on October 1, 2025, his perseverance paid off when, on October 24, 2025, he received his first-ever national call-up for the UAE team to participate in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 Tri-Series (UAE–Nepal–USA) held in Dubai from October 26 to November 5, 2025.

With UAE also qualifying for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India, Sohaib now stands on the brink of representing his adopted nation on cricket’s biggest stage.

Reflecting on his journey, Sohaib credited Jamia Millia Islamia for laying the foundation of his cricketing discipline and resilience. “Jamia gave me not just opportunities but also the mentorship that shaped my career. Every achievement I’ve had traces back to the support and guidance I received there,” he shared.

JMI leadership and faculty have expressed immense pride in Sohaib’s achievement:

Prof. Mazhar Asif, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, JMI, congratulated Sohaib on his national selection, saying,

“Sohaib’s hard work, dedication, and passion for cricket have truly paid off. His selection is a testament to his exceptional skills and perseverance. His journey will inspire young talents at Jamia Millia Islamia to dream big and work hard.”

Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar, JMI, also extended his best wishes, noting,

“Discipline, focus, and teamwork have earned Sohaib this incredible opportunity. His selection reflects the unwavering commitment and talent that our sportsmen possess. I wish him continued success and hope he brings more glory to JMI.”

Prof. Nafis Ahmad, Honorary Director of Games and Sports, JMI, who mentored Sohaib during his university years, lauded his perseverance:

“Sohaib’s achievements make us proud. His diligence, humility, and passion have taken him from Jamia’s cricket grounds to international recognition. I encouraged him to stay consistent and make the university proud through his future performances.”

Sohaib Khan’s journey from Jamia’s sports fields to the UAE national squad stands as a powerful reminder of how dedication, discipline, and mentorship can turn aspirations into achievements. His story continues to inspire countless young athletes pursuing their dreams across India and beyond.

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