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Aliya Riaz: Pakistan Women’s Power-Hitting All-Rounder — Career, Stats & Profile (2026)
Summary Box
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Role | All-Rounder (Right-hand bat, Right-arm medium) |
| Batting Position | Middle order (positions 5–7) |
| Key Achievement | Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker at 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 (6 wickets in 4 matches); 1,620 ODI runs in 81 matches |
| Current Status | Available for selection; PCB central contract not renewed for 2024–25 season |
Introduction
Aliya Riaz is a right-handed batter and right-arm medium-pace bowler who plays for the Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team. Born on 24 September 1992, she plays as a right-handed batter and right-arm medium bowler for Pakistan, and has also played domestic cricket for Rawalpindi, Federal Capital, Higher Education Commission, Lahore, State Bank of Pakistan, and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited. Aliya Riaz is Pakistan Women’s most versatile all-rounder of the modern era — a power-hitter in the middle order capable of changing the tempo of an innings, and a seam bowler able to claim top-order wickets in ICC tournaments. Her career of over a decade spanning 81 ODIs and 102 T20Is makes her one of the most experienced players to represent Pakistan Women, and her marriage in 2024 to Ali Younis — younger brother of legendary fast bowler Waqar Younis — made her one of Pakistan cricket’s most celebrated personalities off the field as well.
5 Meta-Questions This Article Answers
- Who is Aliya Riaz and what is her role in Pakistan Women’s cricket?
- What are Aliya Riaz’s career stats across ODI and T20I formats?
- Who is Aliya Riaz’s husband, and is she related to Waqar Younis?
- Why did Aliya Riaz lose her PCB central contract in 2024?
- How does Aliya Riaz compare to rising Pakistan batter Natalia Pervaiz?
Quick Facts Table
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aliya Riaz |
| Date of Birth | 24 September 1992 |
| Age (2026) | 33 years |
| Place of Birth | Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Role | All-Rounder |
| Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium |
| Domestic Teams | Rawalpindi Women, Federal Capital Women, Higher Education Commission Women, Lahore Women, State Bank of Pakistan Women, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited Women, PCB Blasters, PCB Dynamites |
| ODI Debut | 23 August 2014 vs Australia, Brisbane (Allan Border Field) |
| T20I Debut | 30 August 2014 vs Australia, Gold Coast |
| ODI Career Runs | 1,620 (81 matches, avg 26.13, HS 81) |
| T20I Career Runs | 1,202 (102 matches, avg 20.72, HS 57) |
| International Wickets | 32 (ODIs + T20Is) |
| 2018 ICC Women’s T20 WC Wickets | 6 in 4 matches (leading wicket-taker for Pakistan) |
| Husband | Ali Younis (cricket commentator, brother of Waqar Younis) |
| Marriage | April 12, 2024, Lahore |
| Height | [MISSING DATA — not officially confirmed] |
| Religion | Islam (Muslim) |
| @aliyariaz_official | |
| Net Worth (2026 est.) | $1–5 million USD (multiple sources) |
Early Life & Background
Aliya Riaz was born on September 24, 1992, in Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan. Growing up in Rawalpindi, she was captivated by cricket at a young age, playing with local boys and quickly establishing herself as a talented player despite facing challenges in a male-dominated sport.
Aliya grew up excelling in multiple sports but faced a pivotal choice in college — badminton or cricket. Her heart chose cricket, a decision that would later make her one of Pakistan’s most recognisable all-rounders. Her breakthrough came during the Under-19 trials, where an explosive batting display earned her a place in Rawalpindi’s regional team before she moved to Lahore.
Batting was her primary skill but she added medium pace to her repertoire. Riaz smashed an unbeaten 156 for Lahore Women in the 2014 National Women’s Cricket Championship, which helped her earn a debut for Pakistan in both T20Is and ODIs against Australia.
Aliya Riaz is Muslim by religion and practises Islam. She is of Punjabi heritage, born and raised in Rawalpindi, the twin city of Pakistan’s capital Islamabad. Details about her parents are not publicly available, as she keeps her family background private.
International & Domestic Career
Domestic Foundation (2010–2014)
Riaz began her domestic career in 2010, playing for the Punjab team, and rose to prominence with an unbeaten 156-run innings for Lahore Women in the 2014 National Women’s Cricket Championship, which earned her selection for the national side. She represented multiple regional sides, including Rawalpindi Women (2010–11), Federal Capital Women (2011–13), and Higher Education Commission Women, before joining Lahore as her primary team.
2014 — International Debut
Aliya Riaz made her ODI debut on 23 August 2014 against Australia in Brisbane at Allan Border Field, becoming the 71st player to represent her country in the format. In her debut match, she was unimpressive with the bat, scoring just 4 runs and struggled to cope with the pace and bounce offered at the Gabba. In the T20I leg of that series, she made her debut in the shortest form of the game and could only manage to score a single run. These were humble beginnings — but a decade of persistence would transform her into one of Pakistan’s most valuable match-winners.
2018 ICC Women’s World T20 — Breakthrough on the Global Stage
In October 2018, she was named in Pakistan’s squad for the 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 tournament in the West Indies. She was the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in the tournament, with six dismissals in four matches. This was Aliya Riaz’s most significant tournament contribution to date — her ability to take wickets with medium-pace in T20I conditions demonstrated a bowling skill set that many batting all-rounders cannot replicate.
2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
In January 2020, she was named in Pakistan’s squad for the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia. In December 2020, she was shortlisted as one of the Women’s Cricketer of the Year for the 2020 PCB Awards. She also won the Women’s Sportswoman of the Year and Women’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year awards at the 2021 PCB Awards, recognising her consistent output in limited-overs cricket.
2021–2022 — World Cups and the Gold Medal
She was a member of the gold-medal-winning Pakistan team at the 2014 Asian Games. In October 2021, she was named in Pakistan’s team for the 2021 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament in Zimbabwe. In January 2022, she was named in Pakistan’s team for the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. In May 2022, she was named in Pakistan’s team for the cricket tournament at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
From 2021 onward, she became the leading run-scorer in ODI matches from the lower middle order, with 382 runs.
2024 — T20 World Cup and Contract Removal
She was named in the Pakistan squad for the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. On 11 October, she scored 26 runs from 32 balls against Australia in the T20 World Cup. She also played in the first women’s ODI between England and Pakistan in Derby on 23 May and took the wicket of Heather Knight.
In November 2024, the PCB’s annual performance review delivered a significant blow to Aliya Riaz’s career. Former captain Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz were omitted from the PCB’s new batch of central contracts announced on Saturday. Fatima Sana, who took over from Dar as captain, moved up to Category A. As well as dwindling form, there are believed to have been concerns about their attitude within the team set-up that were discussed with PCB hierarchy.
The PCB stated: “These players will remain available for selection, as the PCB shifts its focus towards developing the next generation of cricketers in alignment with the ICC’s Women’s FTP (Future Tours Programme) for 2025-29.”
The decision drew criticism from former Pakistan captain Sana Mir, who publicly expressed disappointment that two experienced players were omitted ahead of major upcoming ICC events.
2025 — World Cup Qualifier
Riaz was part of the Pakistan squad for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier at home in April 2025. Her participation in the Qualifier — despite having lost her central contract in November 2024 — confirms that the PCB continued to view her as a resource for selection even while prioritising younger players for full-time contracts.
Playing Style & Tactical Analysis
Aliya Riaz is fundamentally a power-hitting middle-order batter who offers genuine medium-pace bowling as a secondary skill — a combination that makes her a complete all-rounder by any international standard.
Middle-Order Batting Role: Aliya operates primarily at positions 5 through 7, where she functions as a pressure absorber when top-order wickets fall early, and a finisher who can score at 90+ strike rate in T20Is when the innings needs acceleration. Known for her ability to clear the ropes with ease and turn games with her counter-attacking style, Aliya has become one of Pakistan’s most dependable middle-order batters.
Batting Temperament Under Pressure: Her most celebrated contribution came in a tied ODI against South Africa in Benoni, where she earned the Player of the Match award — a moment that exemplifies her ability to perform when the match is on the line. Her career highlights include being Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in the 2018 World T20, earning the Player-of-the-Match award in their tied ODI against South Africa in Benoni, and playing a crucial role in Pakistan’s historic series-clinching T20I against New Zealand in Dunedin.
Medium-Pace Bowling: Aliya’s right-arm medium-fast bowling is a genuine asset rather than a token contribution. With the ball, she is consistent with line and length, and capable of testing the footwork of the batter with her variations. Her six wickets in four matches at the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 — at a tournament level — is the most emphatic proof of her bowling value.
Shot Selection: Aliya Riaz is at her best when given the licence to play aggressively from the outset of her innings. She is a natural striker of the ball rather than a technician, and her flat-bat hitting through the off side and over midwicket are her primary scoring zones in T20Is.
Domestic Century Form: On 29 January 2024, she scored a century in the National Women’s T20 Cricket Tournament. Her innings helped Rawalpindi reach 182/4 at Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium. This domestic century, arriving just months before her wedding and the ICC T20 World Cup, demonstrated that her power-hitting ability had not diminished even as her international selection became more competitive.
Career Statistics
Women’s ODI Statistics
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 81 |
| Runs | 1,620 |
| Average | 26.13 |
| Highest Score | 81 |
| Strike Rate | ~75–80 |
| Wickets | ~12 |
| Best Bowling (ODI) | 2/16 |
| Economy Rate | ~5.0–5.5 |
Women’s T20I Statistics
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 102 |
| Runs | 1,202 |
| Average | 20.72 |
| Highest Score | 57 |
| Strike Rate | ~87.67 |
| Wickets | 20 |
| Best Bowling (T20I) | 2/16 |
| Economy Rate | 7.61 |
| 2018 ICC Women’s T20 WC Wickets | 6 in 4 matches |
Source: ESPNcricinfo, Grokipedia, PCB. Stats current to early 2026.
Women’s Test Cricket
Pakistan Women have not played a Test match since March 2004 (vs West Indies). Aliya Riaz has therefore made no Test appearances during her career, which began in 2014.
Records & Achievements
- Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker at the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 — 6 wickets in 4 matches in the West Indies.
- Gold medallist at the 2014 Asian Games — member of Pakistan Women’s cricket team.
- Leading run-scorer from Pakistan’s lower-middle order in ODIs (2021 onwards) — 382 runs in that period.
- Player of the Match — tied ODI vs South Africa, Benoni — match-winning contribution in a rare tied international.
- Highest domestic score: 156 not out — Lahore Women vs opponents, 2014 National Women’s Cricket Championship.
- Domestic T20 century — 100* vs opponents, National Women’s T20 Tournament, Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, 29 January 2024.
- PCB Women’s Sportswoman of the Year 2021 and Women’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2021.
- 167 international appearances — one of Pakistan Women’s most-capped players ever.
- Key role in Pakistan’s historic series-clinching T20I win in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Recent Form (2025–2026)
Aliya Riaz’s 2024–2026 period has been defined by the contrast between continued international availability and the loss of her PCB central contract. After appearing in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE — where Pakistan exited in the group stage — Riaz was demoted to Category B in the previous year’s contracts, and was then omitted entirely from the 2024–25 central contracts list announced in November 2024.
Despite this, Riaz was part of the Pakistan squad for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier at home in April 2025, confirming that the selectors retained her as an option even without a central contract. As of 2026, Aliya Riaz remains available for Pakistan selection and continues to play domestic cricket. Some reports have suggested the possibility of her participation in the Women’s Premier League 2025 season, but there is no official confirmation.
Comparison: Aliya Riaz vs Natalia Pervaiz
Natalia Pervaiz (also known as Natalia Parvez) is a younger right-handed batter and Pakistan Women’s squad member who represents the next generation of Pakistani middle-order talent. The comparison between Aliya Riaz and Natalia Pervaiz illustrates the generational shift underway in Pakistan Women’s cricket.
| Attribute | Aliya Riaz | Natalia Pervaiz |
|---|---|---|
| Role | All-rounder (bat + medium pace) | Batter (specialist) |
| Batting Position | Middle order (5–7) | Middle order (4–6) |
| International Experience | 81 ODIs, 102 T20Is (167 caps) | Emerging — significantly fewer caps |
| Career ODI Runs | 1,620 (avg 26.13) | [MISSING DATA — career still building] |
| Bowling Contribution | Genuine — 32 international wickets | Primarily batting-focused |
| ICC Tournament Experience | 2018 T20 WC, 2020 T20 WC, 2022 WC, 2024 T20 WC | Limited ICC experience as of 2024 |
| PCB Central Contract (2024–25) | Not renewed (November 2024) | Not in central contracts list |
| Age (2026) | 33 | [MISSING DATA — younger generation] |
| Power Hitting | Elite — known for clearing the ropes | Developing |
| Key Strength | Batting under pressure + wicket-taking | Batting form and youth |
The tactical insight here is clear: Aliya Riaz brings a decade of ICC tournament experience and a proven bowling option that Natalia Pervaiz does not yet offer. However, the PCB’s 2024–25 strategy explicitly prioritises developing younger talent for the ICC Women’s FTP 2025–29 cycle — meaning Natalia Pervaiz and her peers are the future, while Aliya Riaz’s role has shifted to experienced reserve.
Who Is Aliya Riaz’s Husband?
Pakistan Women’s cricket team all-rounder Aliya Riaz tied the knot with commentator Ali Younis, younger brother of former captain Waqar Younis, in Lahore on 12 April 2024. The marriage ceremony was scheduled to take place at a private farmhouse in Lahore, with a special Qawwali night adding to the festive ambiance.
The engagement ceremony took place in Wah Cantt, attended by close family members from both sides. Among the distinguished guests was Waqar Younis, the former captain of the Pakistan cricket team and Ali Younis’s older brother.
Pakistan Captain Babar Azam, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Yousuf, Mushtaq Ahmed, Ramiz Raja, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Umar Akmal were among the attendees of the ceremony.
Ali Younis worked as a banker before becoming a cricket commentator. His older brother, Waqar Younis, played international cricket for Pakistan. Ali Younis is also known for his role on PSL commentary panels.
Aliya Riaz and Ali Younis have no publicly confirmed children as of 2026.
Net Worth & Brand Value
Aliya Riaz’s estimated net worth as of 2026 is between $1 million and $5 million USD, according to multiple published sources — a figure that reflects over a decade of PCB central contracts, match fees, domestic tournament payments, and commercial activity. Her PCB central contract (now lapsed) was previously at Category B level, and her match fees across 167 international appearances compound significantly over time.
Aliya Riaz maintains an active social media presence on Instagram (@aliyariaz_official) and Facebook (@aliyariazofficial), which have grown considerably since her high-profile 2024 wedding and ICC tournament coverage. Her personal brand is closely associated with Pakistan Women’s cricket and her connection to Pakistan’s broader cricket family through her husband Ali Younis.
Interesting Facts
- Aliya Riaz chose cricket over badminton at college — a decision that launched one of Pakistan Women’s cricket’s longest careers.
- She debuted in international cricket in Brisbane at the Gabba in August 2014 — one of cricket’s most iconic venues.
- Her wedding in April 2024 was attended by Babar Azam, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Misbah-ul-Haq, Ramiz Raja, Mushtaq Ahmed, and nearly every major figure in Pakistani cricket — one of the most star-studded sporting weddings in Pakistan’s recent history.
- Her husband Ali Younis is the younger brother of Waqar Younis, one of Pakistan’s greatest fast bowlers, making Aliya part of one of Pakistan cricket’s most distinguished families.
- In 2019, during a National Triangular One-day Women’s Cricket Championship match, she was fined 15% of her match fee following a disagreement with an umpire’s decision.
- A fan dedicated a rap song to her and posted it on YouTube — a rare tribute to a Pakistan Women’s cricketer.
- She is one of only a handful of Pakistan Women’s cricketers to have played four ICC major tournaments across two formats (T20 WC and 50-over WC).
- Her domestic T20 century on 29 January 2024 helped Rawalpindi reach 182/4 at Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium — the stadium named after Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler.
Why Aliya Riaz Is Famous
Aliya Riaz is famous on multiple levels. As a cricketer, she is Pakistan Women’s most experienced and decorated batting all-rounder — the holder of 167 international caps, 1,620 ODI runs, and the distinction of being Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker at an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Her Player-of-the-Match performance in the tied ODI against South Africa in Benoni is one of the most memorable individual contributions in Pakistan Women’s cricket history.
Off the field, she became nationally famous following her April 2024 wedding to Ali Younis — younger brother of Waqar Younis — which was one of the most widely covered events in Pakistani women’s cricket. The attendance of Babar Azam, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Ramiz Raja, and dozens of Pakistan’s most celebrated players turned the event into a celebration of Pakistani cricket as a whole.
Impact on Modern Cricket
Aliya Riaz’s impact on Pakistan Women’s cricket is best understood through longevity and consistency. In a landscape where many players struggle to hold their place across a single ICC cycle, she played in four major ICC tournaments over seven years (2018–2024). Her contribution as a bowling all-rounder — rather than just a batting option — gave Pakistan Women’s coaches genuine flexibility in team selection, allowing them to field an extra batting option without sacrificing bowling depth.
Over the past decade, she evolved into a complete all-rounder, balancing her role as a batter with handy medium pace, and today she stands as one of the most experienced campaigners in the national side. Her career also demonstrates that Pakistan Women’s cricket has developed infrastructure capable of producing multi-decade international players — a necessary condition for long-term competitiveness at ICC level.
Key Takeaways
- Aliya Riaz is a right-hand bat, right-arm medium-pace all-rounder born on 24 September 1992 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
- She has played 81 ODIs (1,620 runs, avg 26.13) and 102 T20Is (1,202 runs, avg 20.72) — 167 international caps in total.
- She was Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker at the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20, with 6 wickets in 4 matches.
- She is a gold medallist from the 2014 Asian Games with Pakistan Women’s cricket team.
- She married Ali Younis — younger brother of Waqar Younis — on 12 April 2024 in Lahore.
- She lost her PCB central contract in November 2024, but remained available for selection and was part of the 2025 World Cup Qualifier squad.
- She is Muslim, of Punjabi heritage, and based in Lahore.
FAQ Section
Q: Who is Aliya Riaz?
Aliya Riaz is a Pakistani cricketer born on 24 September 1992 in Rawalpindi. She is a right-handed batter and right-arm medium-pace bowler who plays for the Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team, with 167 international appearances, 1,620 ODI runs, and 32 international wickets.
Q: What is Aliya Riaz’s age?
Aliya Riaz was born on 24 September 1992, making her 33 years old as of 2026.
Q: Is Aliya Riaz married?
Yes. Aliya Riaz married Ali Younis — a cricket commentator and the younger brother of former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis — on 12 April 2024 at a private farmhouse in Lahore. The wedding was attended by some of Pakistan’s most celebrated cricketers.
Q: Who is Aliya Riaz’s husband?
Aliya Riaz’s husband is Ali Younis. He is a cricket commentator known for his PSL commentary work, and is the younger brother of Pakistan cricket legend Waqar Younis. The couple got engaged in Wah Cantt in early April 2024 and married on 12 April 2024 in Lahore.
Q: What are Aliya Riaz’s stats?
Aliya Riaz has scored 1,620 runs in 81 ODIs at an average of 26.13 (highest score 81) and 1,202 runs in 102 T20Is at an average of 20.72 (highest score 57). She has taken 32 international wickets across both formats. She was Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker at the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 with 6 wickets in 4 matches.
Q: Does Aliya Riaz have children?
As of 2026, Aliya Riaz and Ali Younis have no publicly confirmed children. They married in April 2024.
Q: What is Aliya Riaz’s religion?
Aliya Riaz is Muslim and practises Islam.
Q: Who are Aliya Riaz’s parents?
Aliya Riaz has not publicly disclosed detailed information about her parents. This information is not available in the public domain as of 2026.
Q: Why did Aliya Riaz lose her PCB contract?
Aliya Riaz was omitted from the PCB’s 2024–25 central contracts list announced in November 2024, along with Nida Dar and four other players. The PCB cited dwindling form and concerns about team attitude, while also stating a strategic shift toward developing younger players for the ICC Women’s FTP 2025–29 cycle. She remains available for selection.
Q: Does Aliya Riaz Have a First Husband?
There is no publicly confirmed information about any prior marriage for Aliya Riaz. As of 2026, Ali Younis — whom she married on 12 April 2024 — is her husband. Speculation about a “first husband” circulating on social media has no factual basis in any verified source.
Conclusion
Aliya Riaz’s career is one of Pakistan Women’s cricket’s great long-form stories. From choosing cricket over badminton in college, to debuting quietly at the Gabba in 2014, to becoming Pakistan’s leading ICC T20 World Cup wicket-taker, to participating in four major ICC tournaments across seven years — her journey traces the growth arc of Pakistan Women’s cricket itself. Her 2024 wedding to Ali Younis added a personal milestone that made her one of Pakistan’s most recognisable sporting personalities beyond just the cricket boundary.
The loss of her PCB central contract in November 2024 marks a new chapter: one where her experience and power-hitting ability still have value in Pakistan’s squad plans, but where the PCB’s strategic vision looks towards younger players for the 2025–29 ICC cycle. Whether Aliya Riaz can earn her contract back — through domestic form, World Cup qualifier contributions, or unexpected injury cover — remains one of the most watched stories in Pakistan Women’s cricket entering 2026.
