Afghanistan cricket has witnessed remarkable growth over the years, and one man who has been a key part of this journey is Mohammad Nabi. Just when it seemed the 39-year-old all-rounder was set to retire from One Day Internationals (ODIs) after the 2025 Champions Trophy, he surprised fans by reconsidering his decision. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is fully behind him, emphasizing that age is just a number for the veteran cricketer.
Mohammad Nabi: A Pillar of Afghanistan Cricket
From the days when Afghanistan was barely recognized in international cricket to its current standing among the top cricketing nations, Mohammad Nabi has been a constant force. Since making his ODI debut in 2009 against Scotland, he has played a pivotal role in shaping Afghan cricket.
Mohammad Nabi made history as the first Afghan cricketer to score a half-century on debut and led Afghanistan to their first-ever ODI World Cup in 2015. Known for his all-round contributions in batting, bowling, and fielding, he has become a key figure in franchise T20 leagues worldwide.
Nabi’s Retirement Plan and Change of Mind
Initially, Nabi planned to retire after the upcoming Champions Trophy, allowing younger players to step up. However, he recently expressed his desire to continue, stating that he still has the fitness and hunger to contribute to the national team.
“These might not be my last ODIs (the Champions Trophy) and I will probably play less ODIs and give chances to the youngsters to build experience. I’ve discussed with the senior players and in the high-level games, maybe or maybe not, we’ll see. It will depend on my fitness,” Nabi was quoted on ICC.
One major factor behind Nabi’s U-turn is his dream of sharing the field with his 18-year-old son, Hassan Eisakhil. Eisakhil, who played as an opener for Afghanistan in the 2024 U-19 World Cup, has shown promise despite a modest start.
Nabi believes in mentoring his son and helping him develop into a top-tier cricketer. Nabi stated, “It’s my dream (to play together for the country) and hopefully we can do it. He is doing very well, he is a hard worker and I’m also pushing him to work. I want him to make his own goals, if you want to get to be a high-level cricketer, you have to work hard. It’s not enough to make 50 or 60, you have to score 100-plus. He’s listening and pushing all the time. When he can talk to me, I try to give him advice to give him confidence for the game.”
Despite being one of the oldest players in the squad, Nabi continues to deliver match-winning performances. His fitness and all-round abilities make him a crucial asset in Afghanistan’s lineup.
ACB’s Perspective on Nabi’s Decision
The Afghanistan Cricket Board, through its CEO Naseeb Khan, has expressed full support for Nabi’s decision. Khan said, “Mohammad Nabi is a living legend in Afghan cricket. From the early days when cricket was almost nonexistent in Afghanistan to now, with the team among the top eight in the world, no one has contributed more to the sport’s growth than he has.”
“Whether he decides to retire or continue playing is entirely his choice. However, when you look at his exceptional performance in all departments fielding, batting, and bowling along with his remarkable fitness, it’s clear that age truly is just a number,” khan added.
Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy campaign kicks off on February 21 against South Africa in Karachi. The team will then face England and Australia in crucial group-stage matches. Nabi’s experience will be vital in guiding the team through high-pressure games.
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