Hashim Amla has already etched his name in cricketing folklore as one of the most elegant batters to ever grace the game. What he won’t be remembered for—at least not yet—is being the father of South Africa’s next big thing, Muhammed Bulbulia.
As South African cricket continues to nurture its next generation of stars, the name Muhammed Bulbulia has recently caught everyone’s attention—not just for his on-field exploits, but because of a widely circulated claim: that he is the son of the legendary Proteas batter.
The rumor mill kicked into overdrive on social media after Bulbulia’s standout performances in youth tournaments, with several posts mistakenly identifying him as the offspring of the former South African captain. His uncanny resemblance to Amla—both in complexion and in the calm, composed way he occupies the crease—has only added fuel to the fire, drawing inevitable comparisons to Hasim Amla’s own style of play.
But let’s set the record straight: Muhammed Bulbulia is not Hashim Amla’s son.
You can be forgiven for thinking otherwise. The confusion likely stems from a mix of cultural proximity, shared Muslim faith, and a striking visual similarity. Both are of similar build, sport the trademark beard, and exude the humility for which Amla is renowned. But beyond those surface-level parallels, there’s no direct family connection.
Hashim Amla has always kept his private life away from the spotlight, and his own son has yet to follow in his footsteps. Should that day come, expect a media frenzy befitting Amla’s status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
As for Muhammed Bulbulia, he’s likely to welcome the comparisons—at least when it comes to batting style. The 18-year-old is already captaining South Africa’s junior team and is widely regarded as one of the country’s brightest young prospects. His ascent to the senior side seems less a question of if, and more a matter of when.
With Lhuan-dre Pretorius acclimating to the international stage and Bulbulia waiting in the wings, South Africa may just have found the next Graeme Smith–Hashim Amla pairing—a prospect no Proteas fan would mind.
For now, Muhammed Bulbulia is making headlines for his talent, not his (nonexistent) familial ties to Hashim Amla. And that, perhaps, is the best way to start a legacy of his own.