From Goa's Cricket Grounds to Portugal's National Team: The Sherman Vaz Story
In 2023, Sherman Vaz secured a Portuguese passport and relocated to Ireland, harboring ambitions of playing futsal for a premier European club. Ironically, his sporting path took an unexpected turn toward cricket, where he now proudly dons the Portugal jersey as a key player. His international debut last year was nothing short of spectacular, claiming four wickets and marking a remarkable transition in his athletic career.
A Cricket Foundation in Goa
Hailing from Margao, Sherman Vaz built a solid cricket foundation in Goa, representing the state across all age-group competitions from under-13 to under-25 levels. He even attended Ranji Trophy camps on two occasions, though selection eluded him. His brother, Keenan Vaz, is an established cricketer who has kept wickets for Goa at the highest domestic tiers, showcasing the family's deep-rooted connection to the sport.
The Shift to Football and Futsal
After stepping away from professional cricket in 2017, Sherman pivoted to football and futsal, showcasing his versatility by playing for notable clubs such as Mohammedan Sporting in futsal and FC Bardez in the Goa Professional League. He was actively pursuing his futsal aspirations overseas when an unforeseen opportunity arose from Cricket Portugal, an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council since 1996.
The Unexpected Call-Up
In their quest to bolster the national team, Portugal initially contacted Keenan Vaz, who recommended his younger brother Sherman, already residing in Europe with a Portuguese passport. "I was called for trials in London which eventually didn’t work out," Sherman recalled during a break in Goa. "I was then asked to directly join the team for a home series against Norway, which was a little more than two months away."
At 32 years old, Sherman, an offspinner with untapped potential from his youth, had not bowled in six years, casting doubt on his performance. Training outdoors in Ireland's winter was impractical, so he independently conditioned his hands and joined the squad, participating in only eight training sessions before his debut.
International Debut and Success
Portugal faced a loss in the opening match against Norway with Sherman on the bench. However, in the subsequent game, he seized his opportunity, delivering an impressive performance by taking four wickets on his international debut. He added another wicket in the following match, contributing to Portugal's 2-1 series victory. Sherman also played in a friendly against Belgium and is now eagerly anticipating the European qualifiers for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2028.
Goals and Challenges for Portugal Cricket
"For me, representing Portugal, it’s a big opportunity to play some of the big names in cricket," Sherman explained. "There are lots of Australians, New Zealanders, even Test cricketers, who are playing for European teams. We are looking to rope in a big name to bring attention to Portugal cricket. Besides, the goal of moving to the top 30 and qualifying for the T20 World Cup remains a priority."
Currently ranked 43rd globally, Portugal is limited to international T20 matches. Breaking into the top 30 would unlock increased funding, access to turf wickets, and, crucially, one-day international status. The team features six players of Indian origin, with five hailing from Daman & Diu, alongside others from South Africa, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Notably, Australian all-rounder Moises Henriques, born in Portugal, is among the players Portugal hopes to attract.
Personal Adaptation and Determination
"I really like playing international cricket. To be fair, T20 is not my strongest format; I prefer the long four-day Ranji Trophy format," Sherman admitted. "But in cricket, you have to adapt. The rules are changing, the game is evolving, and you need to make adjustments to survive. I know it will take time, but I am determined to give my best for Portugal cricket. The facilities are not there; we have only concrete nets for training. But this is a big year."
Future Prospects
If Portugal can top a group including Bulgaria, Czechia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Israel, and top-ranked Spain (30th), it could dramatically alter their cricketing landscape. Sherman Vaz is poised to play a pivotal role in this ambitious journey, blending his Goan roots with a newfound Portuguese pride on the international stage.
