In the arena of international cricket, players are fundamentally identified by their stats, batting prowess, and bowling speeds. However, across the sport's long and celebrated history, several prominent figures have chosen to present themselves under entirely new names at crucial junctures of their careers. Whether driven by spiritual transformation, familial circumstances, administrative clarification, or deep patriotic sentiment, these identity shifts remain fascinating chapters in cricket folklore. Here is a detailed look at five renowned international cricketers who officially changed their names during their active playing careers.
Mohammad Yousuf: The Journey from Yousuf Youhana to World Record Holder
One of the most widely discussed name changes in cricket history belongs to legendary Pakistani batter Mohammad Yousuf. Born in Lahore, he initially began his career under the name Yousuf Youhana, becoming only the fourth Christian cricketer to represent the Pakistan national team. In 2005, inspired by his teammate Saeed Anwar, he converted to Islam and adopted the name Mohammad Yousuf.
Following his conversion and name change, his batting form scaled remarkable heights. In 2006, he enjoyed a monumental calendar year, scoring 1,788 Test runs to set a world record that remains unbroken to this day. During that same sensational year, he also established records for hitting 9 centuries and recording the highest number of scores exceeding 150 in a single calendar year. Across a distinguished career comprising 90 Test matches with 7,530 runs and 288 ODIs featuring 9,720 runs, Yousuf solidified his legacy as one of Pakistan's greatest batsmen.
Tilakratne Dilshan: From Tuwan Mohammad to Creator of the Dilscoop
Famed for his aggressive opening batting and as the pioneer of the innovative 'Dilscoop' shot, Sri Lanka's Tilakratne Dilshan also experienced a significant identity change. Born into a Muslim family, his original name was Tuwan Mohammad Dilshan. His father was Muslim while his mother practiced Buddhism. Following his parents' separation, he chose to embrace his mother's Buddhist faith.
Along with this religious transition, he officially changed his full name to Tilakratne Mudiyanselage Dilshan. Under his new identity, he developed into one of Sri Lanka's most dependable all-rounders. Over a 17-year international career, Dilshan amassed 10,290 runs and took 106 wickets in ODIs, alongside contributing 5,492 runs in Test cricket.
Josh Buttler: Adding an 'h' to Resolve Administrative Confusion
England's World Cup-winning captain and explosive wicketkeeper-batter Josh Buttler added a unique modern entry to the list of name changes. For years, cricket commentators, fans, and media spellings referred to him as 'Jos'. However, his family, mother, and several official documents had consistently used the spelling 'Josh'.
To end the longstanding confusion between his popular moniker and official record, he released a lighthearted video on social media announcing that he was formally appending an 'h' to his first name. From that point onward, he officially designated himself as Josh Buttler.
Suraj Randiv: Early Identity and the Sehwag No Ball Incident
Sri Lankan off-spinner Suraj Randiv, who featured in the final of the 2011 ODI World Cup, is another player who altered his name during his playing days. Born in a Muslim family, his original name was Mohammad Marshook Mohammad Suraj, which he later changed to Suraj Randiv.
Randiv gained global attention during a 2010 ODI tri-series match when he bowled a controversial no-ball to Indian batter Virender Sehwag. The deliberate extra allowed Sri Lanka to lose the match via a wide/no-ball boundary before Sehwag could complete his century, leaving Sehwag stranded on 99. Randiv represented Sri Lanka in 12 Test matches and 31 ODIs during his international stint.
Asghar Afghan: Renaming Surname out of National Pride
Asghar Afghan, one of Afghanistan's most successful captains who helped establish his country on the international cricket map, changed his name out of deep patriotic pride. In 2018, he officially dropped his surname 'Stanikzai' and replaced it with 'Afghan' to demonstrate allegiance and honor toward his homeland.
He expressed that an international athlete's identity should reflect their country above all else. Under his leadership, Afghanistan played its historical debut Test match. Before stepping away from international cricket in 2021, Asghar represented Afghanistan in 114 ODIs and 75 T20s.
