Thu Feb 05 14:10:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Physique No Barrier: Overweight Cricketers Shine in WPL and International Arenas

The Story:

The article highlights the success of cricketers who have excelled despite not conforming to conventional athletic body types. It focuses on Leeza Lee, a South African batter making waves in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), and several male cricketers, including Rakheem Cornwall, Azam Khan, Mohammad Shahzad, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Arjuna Ranatunga, who defied expectations due to their heavier builds. These players have proven that skill and determination can outweigh physical appearance in the world of cricket.

Key Points:

  • Leeza Lee, a South African batter, has become a prominent figure in the WPL at age 33, known for her powerful batting and wicket-keeping despite weighing over 100 kilograms.
  • Rakheem Cornwall of the West Indies, weighing 148 kg, is noted as one of the heaviest cricketers to play international cricket, having played 10 Tests and participating in various T20 leagues.
  • Azam Khan of Pakistan, son of former cricketer Moin Khan, weighs around 130 kg and has represented his national team in 14 T20s.
  • Other notable overweight cricketers mentioned include Mohammad Shahzad (Afghanistan), Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan), Arjuna Ranatunga (Sri Lanka), Dwayne Leverock (Bermuda), and others.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cricket prioritizes skill and performance over conventional physical standards.
  • Players of various body types can achieve success at the highest levels of the sport.
  • The WPL is providing a platform for diverse players, including those who might not have been considered “traditionally fit.”
  • Historical examples show this trend has been prevalent in cricket for decades.
  • The article implicitly challenges the common notion that only lean and fit athletes can excel in cricket.

Impact Analysis:

This article celebrates inclusivity in cricket and can potentially encourage a more diverse range of athletes to pursue the sport, regardless of their body type. Leeza Lee‘s success in the WPL, highlighted alongside other historical examples, might challenge conventional scouting and training methods to focus more on skill and strategic acumen, rather than solely on physical appearance. This shift could have a lasting impact on player selection and development, making cricket a more accessible and representative sport. This also positively influences sports fans to not negatively criticize players for their appearances.

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