Who is Nayma Sheikh, Scotland’s Rising Cricket Star?

At just 19, Nayma Sheikh has become one of Scotland’s most exciting cricketing prospects, and a history-maker.

The all-rounder, who is of Pakistani heritage, has become the first cricketer in Scotland, male or female, to receive the Winning Students 100 Scotland National Sports Scholarship.

It’s a landmark moment not only for Sheikh but for Scottish cricket as a whole, which continues to grow in diversity and recognition.

Her achievement captures the story of a young woman balancing academics, elite sport, and representation.

It’s also a sign of how far Scottish women’s cricket has come, and how far it can still go.

Balancing Excellence

Currently studying Accountancy and Finance at the University of Glasgow, Nayma Sheikh’s success is the product of focus, consistency, and hard work.

Her inclusion in the Winning Students 100 Scotland National Sports Scholarship places her among elite student-athletes shaping the future of Scottish sport.

She said: “It’s an honour to be the first cricketer in Scotland, male or female, to receive this scholarship.

“This recognition motivates me to keep balancing my academic goals with my passion for cricket.”

The scholarship, backed by sportscotland, supports over 1,700 student-athletes each year, offering them financial assistance, training, and mentorship.

Cricket Scotland hailed Sheikh’s achievement as a significant milestone for the sport, highlighting it as further evidence of cricket’s growing prominence in the Scottish sporting landscape.

Nayma Sheikh’s inclusion in the scholarship programme is a rare combination of sporting excellence and academic drive.

Her ability to manage both areas successfully reflects a maturity that many seasoned athletes take years to develop.

It also highlights the growing infrastructure now supporting women’s sport in Scotland.

Career Journey

Nayma Sheikh’s journey began at the age of 12 when she joined the Western Warriors under-16 girls squad.

Cricket was a family affair – her parents are both active members of East Kilbride Cricket Club.

By 2023, those ambitions became reality.

Sheikh made her international debut for Scotland, representing the national side in two One-Day Internationals and seven T20 matches.

That same year, she played a vital role in the 2023 Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, the first time Scotland had ever qualified for the tournament.

For her, one standout moment was dismissing Indian captain Shafali Verma, a defining highlight of her young career.

Her momentum didn’t stop there. Sheikh went on to feature in the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier and made her ODI debut against Ireland later that year.

In 2024, she was selected for the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, where she produced one of her best performances – taking four wickets in a 27-run win over the Netherlands, earning her the Player of the Match award.

Her consistent performances underline her reputation as a player who thrives under pressure.

The ability to deliver in big moments has made her one of the most promising names in Scottish women’s cricket.

By the end of 2024, she was again chosen for the national under-19 squad for the 2025 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia, and later, the senior squad for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Pakistan.

Nayma Sheikh’s rise reflects more than individual success.

It’s also about what she represents: a bridge between cultures, communities, and generations of aspiring cricketers.

Her presence in the Scottish setup is a quiet but powerful reminder that sport in Scotland is evolving – becoming more inclusive, more dynamic, and more global in identity.

Nayma Sheikh’s story captures the momentum building in women’s cricket across Scotland.

It’s a story of balance – between studies and sport, heritage and identity, ambition and humility. But above all, it’s a story of persistence.

Her achievements are not isolated wins; they’re milestones in a larger journey to reshape how cricket in Scotland is perceived and who gets to succeed within it.

As the country continues to invest in women’s sport, Sheikh’s success will inspire more young girls, especially those from South Asian backgrounds, to see cricket not as an unlikely pursuit but as a field where they belong.

With every match, every wicket, and every academic milestone, Nayma Sheikh is proving that representation and excellence can go hand in hand.