Kashif Minhas has spent decades documenting the grace and intensity of international cricket through the viewfinder of his camera. As a seasoned photographer and avid birdwatcher, he is accustomed to the patience required to capture the perfect moment. Yet, when the subjects in his frame are his own sons, the professional distance of the lens often gives way to the raw, visceral emotions of a father witnessing his children live out a dream he was once forced to abandon.
In the world of cricket, where family dynasties often shape the landscape of the sport, the Minhas brothers—Arafat, Sameer, and the rising prospect, Abdullah—are carving out a legacy that has captivated observers across Pakistan. But for their father, Kashif, the journey is less about the spotlight and more about the personal triumph of ensuring his sons never have to face the ultimatum he once received: choosing between their passion and their family.
From Personal Sacrifice to Parental Pride
Kashif’s own cricketing ambitions were stifled in his youth, crushed under the weight of traditional expectations. “I represented my regional team in Multan,” he recalls. “But my father asked me to quit cricket and focus on the family business. He told me to leave cricket or leave home.” Choosing his mother’s peace of mind over his own aspirations, a young Kashif walked away from the sport.
Decades later, he found redemption in the living room of his own home. Watching his sons, Arafat and Sameer, practicing on a wet floor in their car porch, Kashif recognized an innate talent that demanded cultivation. “When I saw my children playing, I immediately realized that they had something special in them,” he says. “I decided that what had happened to me should not happen to them.”
This time, the family business—a successful car dealership in Multan—became the financial bedrock that fueled their dreams rather than a barrier to them. Kashif balanced his professional life as an importer of Japanese vehicles with the grueling demands of his sons’ training schedules, proving that dedication requires more than just money; it requires a persistent, unwavering presence.
Viral Emotions and Misunderstood Narratives
The life of a cricket parent is rarely private. Earlier this year, a candid moment at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore thrust Kashif into the global spotlight. When his elder son, Arafat, was dismissed during an ODI against Australia, the stadium cameras panned to the boundary rope to find the father instinctively lowering his head, his hand resting on his camera.
The image went viral, but the reaction was marred by inaccurate reporting. Some outlets, looking to craft a “rags-to-riches” narrative, erroneously portrayed the family as being in financial distress. Kashif, a man of quiet dignity and professional success, found the characterization hurtful. “Some people portrayed the story as if we belonged to a poor family… That is not the case. Photography is just my hobby,” he clarified. Despite his desire for anonymity, he has accepted his role in the broadcast narrative, noting, “At least someone is benefiting from it.”
A Dynasty in the Making
The talent within the Minhas household is undeniable. Arafat has already cemented his place as a reliable all-rounder for Pakistan, boasting five-wicket hauls against cricketing powerhouses like Australia and England. His brother, Sameer, has been equally sensational, most notably grabbing headlines with a masterclass 172 off 113 balls against India in the 2025 U-19 Asia Cup final.
Not to be outdone, there is a third act waiting in the wings. “The world doesn’t know about my third son, Abdullah Minhas,” Kashif says with pride. “He is immensely talented as well. He is a left-handed top-order batter and a right-arm leg-break bowler. He has been selected at the Under-17 level and is working hard.”
The Ultimate Goal: An ICC Trophy
While Kashif has documented his sons’ rapid ascent, he admits that he often finds himself wanting to put the camera down. The professional detachment of a photographer is hard to maintain when the tension of a match reaches its zenith.
“When I am completely focused on a match, I become very attentive to every ball,” he explains. “These days, when my sons are playing, I sometimes enjoy watching the cricket live more than photographing it.”
His philosophy as a mentor has been one of gentle guidance rather than high-pressure expectation. Even when they fall short, his message remains consistent: there is always another opportunity. However, his quiet ambition remains fixed on a single, crowning achievement. “I will be even happier when my children win an ICC trophy for their country,” he admits.
For now, the camera remains his companion, a tool that allows him to stay close to the action. For a man who had to give up his own jersey, the sight of three sons wearing the national colors is more than enough. Through his lens, he isn’t just capturing wickets and centuries; he is capturing the fulfillment of a legacy that he fought to ensure would never be lost again.
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