Tabraiz Shamsi was born on February 18, 1990, in Johannesburg. He grew up in a family with deep respect for education and sport. Born into a caring home, he attended school in Johannesburg and played cricket from a young age. As a boy, he bowled fast but later switched to spin bowling when his coaches encouraged him to use his natural feel for angles and controls.
He quietly kept his family close. He married Khadija in 2018, and they have a son named Ebrahim. The family lives a happy home life filled with support and pride.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tabraiz Shamsi |
| Date of Birth | February 18, 1990 |
| Age (2025) | 35 years old |
| Birthplace | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Height | About 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | Around 73 kg |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Left-arm wrist spin |
| Role | Spin Bowler |
| Test Debut | 2016 |
| ODI Debut | 2016 |
| T20I Debut | 2017 |
| Domestic Teams | Dolphins, Titans, Paarl Rocks, others |
| IPL Teams | Royal Challengers Bangalore, others |
| Wife | Khadija Shariff-Shamsi |
| Children | One son (Ebrahim) |
| Notable Record | Most T20I wickets for South Africa |
Physical Traits and Personality
Shamsi stands at about 5 feet 8 inches tall. He carries a solid and athletic body shape, ideal for a spinning bowler, with a calm and confident nature. His expressive celebrations—like miming a phone call with his shoe—bring fans a lot of joy. These signature moves show his playful and joyful approach to the game.
Cricket Career and Achievements
Domestic and Franchise Highlights
Shamsi rose through domestic ranks playing for teams like the Dolphins and the Titans. He became a core player for South Africa’s short-form games.
In franchise cricket, he played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and took top bowler roles in leagues like the Mzansi Super League and Caribbean Premier League. He also took many wickets in T20 leagues around the world.
International Stage and Records
He debuted in international cricket in 2016 and quickly made his mark. By 2021, he became the top T20I bowler in the ICC rankings after a terrific series against Pakistan. He became the first South African to take a five-wicket haul in T20Is and became South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in the format.
He also achieved a five-wicket haul in ODIs—highlighting his skill as a critical spin weapon for his country.
Personal Life and Family
Shamsi’s personal life revolves around his family. His wife, Khadija Shariff-Shamsi, works in real estate. They share one son, Ebrahim, born in 2020. The family values privacy and supports each other with respect and love.
He keeps social media simple, showing glimpses of his life but always protecting family privacy. He is religious and finds strength and balance through his faith.
Controversies and Challenges
Shamsi once received a long fine in a T20 league final for showing disagreement with an umpire. He later apologized for his actions.
In December 2023, after taking the wicket of a popular Indian batsman and celebrating in his usual style, he and his wife faced harsh online abuse. He spoke up about how hurtful online speech can be, especially when it targets loved ones.
Personality and Interests
Off the field, Shamsi is kind, humble, and soft-spoken. He enjoys music, family time, and quiet moments. He uses his platform to speak about kindness and respect, especially during moments when social media can be unkind. His values and attitude make him not only a fine cricketer but a respected human being.
Future Goals and Legacy
At 35, Shamsi aims to keep playing strong limited-overs cricket and mentor young spinners in South Africa. His experience and skill make him an essential guide for future teams.
He hopes to win championships for his country and leave a legacy of sportsmanship, joy, and spin mastery.
