Zainullah Ihsan

Zainullah Ihsan is a fast-rising talent and a historic figure in Scottish cricket, known for his genuine pace and remarkable personal journey. Born on March 28, 2006, in Afghanistan, he arrived in the United Kingdom as an unaccompanied asylum seeker before being granted refugee status in 2022. Having only played 'tape-ball' cricket prior to moving to Glasgow, he joined the GHK Cricket Club and rapidly developed his skills with a hard ball. His natural ability to bowl at high velocity quickly caught the attention of regional and national selectors, leading him to represent Scotland at the youth level and for the 'A' squad even before gaining full international eligibility.

In late January 2026, Ihsan made headlines as the headline inclusion in Scotland’s 15-man squad for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. His selection came shortly after he officially completed the qualification process to represent his adopted country, making him the only uncapped player in the squad. Described by Cricket Scotland’s Head of Performance as possessing an 'exciting range of skills' and 'genuine pace,' the 19-year-old seamer is poised to make his full international debut on the world stage. As Scotland prepares to face heavyweights like England and the West Indies in Group C, Ihsan is viewed as a potential 'x-factor' whose story and speed could provide a significant boost to the national side.