LAHORE – Pakistani-origin Scottish cricketer Nayma Sheikh has made history by becoming the first-ever cricketer to receive the Scotland National Sports Scholarship, an initiative aimed at supporting student-athletes across the country.
Cricket Scotland said that Sheikh has been selected for the prestigious Winning Students 100 Scotland National Sports Scholarship—a recognition awarded to outstanding student-athletes who excel both academically and in sports. The board stated that Sheikh is the first player in Scotland’s cricket history, male or female, to be honoured with this scholarship.
Cricket Scotland noted that the Scottish sports system currently supports over 1,700 student-athletes, with scholarships granted on the basis of academic merit and athletic potential. The programme enables young athletes to pursue higher education while achieving success in their respective sports disciplines.
Nayma Sheikh, who is pursuing a degree in Accountancy and Finance at the University of Glasgow, is among 105 student-athletes selected this year from 31 different disciplines. The scholarship will provide her with academic and sporting support to help balance her dual commitments.
Expressing her gratitude, Sheikh said it was a privilege to be recognised as the first cricketer to achieve this distinction.
“It’s an honour to be the first cricketer, male or female, to receive this scholarship. It will help me progress further in both my studies and cricket,” she remarked.
Nayma Sheikhmade her international debut for Scotland in 2023 and has since represented the national side in two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and seven T20 Internationals.
Cricket Scotland lauded her achievement as a significant step for women’s cricket in the country, saying it reflects the growing recognition of the sport at academic and professional levels.
