5 cricketers who changed theire names: 5 cricketers of the world who changed their names, two players adopted another religion

New Delhi. We know any cricketer in the world by his name on the field and the records made by him. But do you know that in the history of cricket, there have been many legendary cricketers who completely changed their name in the middle of their career or at a particular juncture? Some did it because of religious conversion, while others did it because of their cultural identity or personal preference. The latest name to be added to the list of these cricketers who changed their names is England’s explosive batsman Jos Buttler. Joseph Charles Butler released a video message two years ago i.e. in 2024 and changed his name from Jos Butler to Josh Butler.

Pakistan’s legendary batsman Yusuf Yohana is the most popular name in this list. Yohana was born in a Christian family and was the fourth Christian cricketer to play for Pakistan. But in the year 2005, he converted to Islam and changed his name to Mohammad Yusuf. After religious conversion, his game improved tremendously and in 2006, he made the world record of scoring the most Test runs (1788 runs) in a calendar year, which is almost impossible to break. Yusuf also holds the record for scoring the most centuries (9) and the most 150 plus scores in a calendar year. Born in Lahore, Yousuf scored 7530 runs with the help of 24 centuries in 90 Tests, 9720 runs with the help of 15 centuries in 288 ODIs and 50 runs in three T20s. Influenced by the speeches of Saeed Anwar during his cricket career, Yusuf converted to Islam and changed his name to Mohammad Yousuf.

Tillakaratne Dilshan was born in a Muslim family
Sri Lanka’s explosive opener and father of the ‘Dilscoop’ shot, Tillakaratne Dilshan, was born in a Muslim family and his initial name was Tawan Mohammed Dilshan. His father was Muslim and mother Buddhist. After his parents’ separation, Dilshan adopted his mother’s religion (Buddhism) and changed his name to ‘Tilakaratne Mudiyanselage Dilshan’. After this Dilshan took Sri Lankan cricket to new heights. Dilshan, who batted aggressively, proved useful with off break bowling also. Dilshan played 87 Tests, 330 ODIs and 80 T20 International matches in his 17-year international career. Scored 5492 runs and 39 wickets in Test, 10,290 runs and 106 wickets in ODI while 1889 runs and 9 wickets in T20 International.

Butler changed name 2 years ago
The world knew England’s World Cup-winning captain and aggressive batsman as ‘Jos Buttler’. But in 2024, he officially changed his name to Josh Butler. In fact, people used to call him ‘Josh’ throughout his life, even his mother and official documents often used this name. To end this confusion, he shared a funny video on social media and announced to add ‘h’ to his name.

Suraj Randiv was also born in a Muslim family
Sri Lankan off-spinner Suraj Randiv, who came into limelight due to the controversy of bowling ‘no-ball’ to Indian explosive opener Virender Sehwag, also changed his name. He was born in a Muslim family and his name was Mohammad Marshuk Mohammad Suraj. During his career he changed his name to Suraj Randiv. Randiv also represented Sri Lanka in the final of the 2011 World Cup, although he later left cricket and settled in Australia. During the ODI tri-series in 2010, India and Sehwag needed 1 run to win. Then Randiv bowled a no ball due to which India won the match and Sehwag remained deprived of a century. Randiv took 43 wickets in 12 Tests, 36 wickets in three ODIs and 7 wickets in seven T20 International matches.

Asghar Stanikzai to Asghar Afghan
Asghar Stanikzai, one of the most successful captains of Afghanistan cricket, decided to change his surname in 2018. To honor his national identity, he changed his name to Asghar Afghan. He said that he wants his identity to be linked to the name of his country (Afghanistan). It was under his leadership that Afghanistan played its first test match and established its dominance at the international level. Asghar Afghan played 6 Tests, 114 ODIs and 75 T20 International matches between 2009 and 2021.