Junaid Siddique: The Relentless Rise of an Emirati Cricketer Who Redefined UAE Pace Bowling

From Multan to International Cricket — Discipline, Determination, and Dominance

Ae Businesses December 30, 2025

0 10 5 minutes read

Introduction

Junaid Siddique is a name that has steadily earned respect in international associate cricket. As an Emirati cricketer, he represents not only personal success but also the growth and ambition of UAE cricket on the global stage. Known for his disciplined bowling, consistency, and work ethic, Junaid Siddique has become a cornerstone of the United Arab Emirates’ bowling attack in limited-overs formats.

While his journey did not begin with fame or privilege, it evolved through persistence and performance. His story reflects the reality of modern associate cricket, where talent must be paired with patience. At the same time, his career also highlights the challenges faced by players in emerging cricket nations, including limited exposure and fewer resources. Despite these hurdles, Junaid Siddique has carved out a meaningful international career.

Quick Bio

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Muhammad Zunaed Siddique
Known As	Junaid Siddique
Date of Birth	6 December 1992
Age	33 years (as of 2025)
Birthplace	Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
National Team	United Arab Emirates
Profession	Professional Cricketer
Role	Bowler
Batting Style	Right-handed
Bowling Style	Right-arm medium-fast
International Debut	2019

Early Life and Background

Junaid Siddique was born on 6 December 1992 in Multan, a historic city in Punjab, Pakistan. Growing up in a cricket-loving environment, he was naturally drawn to the sport at a young age. Like many cricketers from South Asia, his early exposure to cricket came through informal play rather than structured academies.

In 2014, Junaid Siddique moved to the United Arab Emirates. This relocation marked a turning point in his life. The move was not immediately glamorous; it required adjustment, discipline, and patience. However, the UAE provided him with competitive club cricket, which became the foundation of his professional growth.

Beginning of His Cricket Career

Junaid Siddique’s cricket career formally took shape in the UAE through domestic and club-level competitions. His performances stood out due to his ability to bowl with control and consistency rather than raw pace alone. This approach worked in his favor on slower UAE pitches, where discipline often outweighs speed.

His steady improvement did not go unnoticed. Over time, selectors recognized his reliability, and he progressed through domestic ranks. While the journey was gradual and lacked instant rewards, it helped him develop mental toughness—an essential trait for any international cricketer.

International Debut and Breakthrough

Junaid Siddique made his T20 International debut for the United Arab Emirates on 18 October 2019 against Oman. Later that year, he also earned his One Day International debut against the United States on 8 December 2019. These debuts marked the beginning of his international journey as an Emirati cricketer.

His early international matches were not without challenges. Competing against more experienced teams tested his adaptability. However, his calm approach and ability to execute plans under pressure allowed him to establish himself as a dependable bowler in both formats.

Career Overview as an Emirati Cricketer

As an Emirati cricketer, Junaid Siddique has primarily been utilized as a frontline pace bowler. His role has often been to contain runs while taking key wickets, especially during powerplays and middle overs. This responsibility requires precision rather than aggression alone.

Over the years, he has represented the UAE in numerous international fixtures and tournaments. His consistency has ensured regular selection, making him a familiar and trusted presence in the national squad. While UAE cricket still operates outside the elite level, players like Junaid Siddique have significantly improved its competitiveness.

Playing Style and Strengths

Junaid Siddique is a right-arm medium-fast bowler who relies on accuracy, seam movement, and variation. Rather than chasing extreme speed, he focuses on maintaining good line and length. This makes him particularly effective in limited-overs cricket, where economy and discipline are vital.

A positive aspect of his bowling is his ability to adapt to conditions. However, a limitation is that he does not possess express pace, which can reduce his impact on very flat batting surfaces. Despite this, his tactical awareness often compensates for physical limitations.

International Career Statistics

In One Day Internationals, Junaid Siddique has played 63 matches and taken 86 wickets, with a best bowling performance of 4 for 23. In T20 Internationals, he has featured in 84 matches and claimed 113 wickets, with a best of 4 for 12. These numbers underline his importance to the UAE bowling unit.

While batting is not his primary role, his contributions with the bat have occasionally added value in lower-order situations. Overall, his statistical record reflects reliability rather than sporadic brilliance.

Franchise and League Cricket

Beyond international cricket, Junaid Siddique has participated in various franchise and league competitions. These experiences have exposed him to different playing styles and higher-pressure environments. Playing alongside and against international players has contributed to his tactical development.

Franchise cricket has also helped him refine his skills and adapt to diverse conditions. However, opportunities in major global leagues remain limited, reflecting the broader challenges faced by associate nation players.

Professional Standing and Income

Junaid Siddique holds a central contract with the Emirates Cricket Board. His income primarily comes from national contracts, international match fees, and franchise league appearances. His estimated net worth ranges between USD 200,000 and 400,000.

While this financial level is modest compared to players from full-member nations, it reflects stability and professionalism within associate cricket. At the same time, limited earnings highlight the financial constraints many Emirati cricketers still face.

Recent Activity and Ongoing Career

In recent years, Junaid Siddique has remained an active member of the UAE national team. He continues to participate in international tournaments and regional competitions, contributing both experience and consistency.

Although UAE cricket has faced ups and downs, Junaid’s continued presence provides continuity. His career remains ongoing, with opportunities to further strengthen his legacy.

Legacy and Impact

Junaid Siddique’s legacy lies in his role as a reliable Emirati cricketer who helped stabilize the UAE bowling lineup. He may not always dominate headlines, but his contributions have been crucial in competitive matches.

Positively, he represents discipline, resilience, and long-term commitment. Negatively, his career also reflects the limitations of associate cricket, where global recognition is difficult despite strong performances. Nevertheless, his impact on UAE cricket remains undeniable.

Conclusion

Junaid Siddique’s journey from Multan to representing the United Arab Emirates is a story of persistence and professionalism. As an Emirati cricketer, he has consistently delivered performances that strengthened his national side. While challenges remain, his career stands as an example of what dedication can achieve in associate cricket.

His story is not just about wickets and matches; it is about representing a growing cricketing nation with pride and responsibility.