Azeem Rafiq is a former professional cricketer who made headlines not just for his skills as a spin bowler, but for his courage in speaking out against racism.
He was once the youngest captain in Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s history. Today, he is a well-known activist and media personality.
In this article, you will know Azeem Rafiq’s Net Worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Azeem Rafiq’s Biography
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Azeem Rafiq |
| Date of Birth | February 27, 1991 |
| Age | 34 Years |
| Education | Holgate School, Barnsley |
| Nationality | British (Born in Pakistan) |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (approx.) |
| Weight | 75 kg (approx.) |
| Turned Pro | 2008 |
| Net Worth | Estimated £500,000 – £1 Million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | £200,000 (Settlement) + Media Income |
| Wife | Faryal Zaheer |
| Instagram Profile | @azeemrafiq30 |
| Twitter Profile | @AzeemRafiq30 |
Early Career
Azeem Rafiq moved to England from Pakistan in 2001 when he was just a young boy. His family settled in Barnsley, where he attended Holgate School. Even as a child, he showed a natural talent for cricket that impressed his local coaches.
He worked his way up through the youth systems quickly because of his skill as an off-spin bowler. By 2006, he was already captaining the England Under-15 team, showing he had great leadership potential early on.
He continued to shine as a teenager and was eventually named the captain of the England Under-19 team. This was a big deal because it meant he was one of the best young players in the country.
During this time, he also made history at his club. He became the first player of Asian origin to captain a Yorkshire team at any level. These early years were full of promise and set the stage for his life as a professional sportsman.
Professional Career
Azeem Rafiq started his professional career with Yorkshire in 2008 when he was only 17 years old. He became a regular player for the team, especially in T20 matches where his bowling was very effective.
In 2012, he achieved a huge milestone by becoming the youngest man ever to captain the Yorkshire senior team in a T20 match. He was known for being a clever bowler who could take wickets when the team needed them most.
His career had some ups and downs. He struggled with injuries and lost his place in the team for a while. He spent some time on loan at Derbyshire to get more playing time. He was released by Yorkshire in 2014 but worked hard to earn his spot back in 2016.
He played well during his second stint, but he was released again in 2018. Since leaving professional cricket, he has become a writer and speaker, sharing his story with the world.
Wife
Azeem Rafiq is married to Faryal Zaheer. They have faced very hard times together. In 2018, they suffered a tragic loss when their first son was stillborn. Azeem has said this was one of the darkest moments of his life.
Despite this pain, they stayed strong as a couple. They are now parents to a son named Ayaan and a daughter. Faryal has been a huge support to Azeem during his public battle against racism in cricket.
Azeem Rafiq’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Azeem Rafiq’s estimated net worth is around £500,000 to £1 million. Most of this wealth comes from a legal settlement and his current work in the media industry.
Contract
Rafiq started his professional journey when Yorkshire offered him a three‑year senior deal in late 2008, which covered the 2009 to 2011 seasons and rewarded his strong youth and academy performances.
In 2011 he spent a short spell on loan at Derbyshire to gain extra first‑team cricket, then returned to Yorkshire and signed a further contract that kept him at the club through the early 2010s.
Career Earnings
| Period/Year | Team/Source | Earnings/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 – 2014 | Yorkshire CCC | County Salary (Est. £25,000 – £35,000/year) |
| 2011 | Derbyshire (Loan) | Covered under Yorkshire contract |
| 2016 – 2018 | Yorkshire CCC | Senior Salary (Est. £30,000 – £45,000/year) |
| 2021 | Yorkshire CCC | £200,000 (Settlement Payment) |
| 2022 | Book Deal | Undisclosed (Memoir advance) |
| 2023 – 2025 | Media & Consultancy | Est. £50,000+ per year (Freelance) |
Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Runs | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Class | 39 | 72 | 873 | 5/50 |
| List A | 35 | 43 | 252 | 5/30 |
| T20 | 95 | 102 | 153 | 5/19 |
FAQs
1. What does Azeem Rafiq do for a living now?
He works as a media personality, writer, and activist. He co-hosts a podcast, writes columns for news outlets, and consults with organizations on how to be more inclusive.
2. How much money did Azeem Rafiq get from Yorkshire?
He received a £200,000 settlement from Yorkshire County Cricket Club. This payment was made to settle his employment tribunal case regarding the discrimination and harassment he faced.
3. Who is Azeem Rafiq’s wife?
His wife is Faryal Zaheer. She has been by his side through his cricket career and the difficult public investigations. They live together with their two children.
4. Why did Azeem Rafiq leave cricket?
He was released by Yorkshire. He later revealed that the racism and bullying he endured at the club had destroyed his love for the game and his mental health.
5. Does Azeem Rafiq have any children?
Yes, he has a son named Ayaan and a daughter. He and his wife also tragically lost their first-born son, who was stillborn, an event he honors often.
