Reconsidering Retirement: Mohammad Nabi’s ODI Future
In a surprising turn of events, veteran Afghan cricketer Mohammad Nabi, currently 40 years old, has reconsidered his earlier decision to retire from One Day Internationals (ODIs) at the conclusion of the Champions Trophy. Nabi had previously indicated his intent to step down but now finds himself "still thinking" about his cricketing future. "These might not be my last ODIs," Nabi shared with the International Cricket Council (ICC). "I have decided to play fewer ODIs and give the younger players more opportunities to gain experience. However, in the high-stakes matches, I might still be part of the team, depending on my fitness levels." Nabi’s decision to extend his ODI career, albeit selectively, underscores his commitment to the sport and his desire to mentor the next generation of Afghan cricketers.
A Father’s Dream: Nabi and His Son Eisakhil
One of the most heartfelt aspects of Nabi’s continued involvement in cricket is his dream of playing alongside his 18-year-old son, Eisakhil. Eisakhil, a talented batter, represented Afghanistan at the Under-19 World Cup in 2024, showcasing his potential on the international stage. "It’s my dream to share the field with him," Nabi revealed. "He has been performing exceptionally well and is a hard worker. I am also pushing him to work diligently, as achieving greatness in cricket requires nothing less than relentless effort." Nabi emphasizes the importance of setting lofty goals. "Scoring 50 or 60 is not enough; he needs to aim for centuries. I try to instill confidence in him whenever we talk about cricket. He listens and works hard, always pushing himself to improve."
Preparing for the Champions Trophy
Afghanistan’s preparations for the Champions Trophy have been both rigorous and fruitful. Nabi has been actively engaged in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where his team emerged victorious. "Winning the BPL has given me a significant confidence boost," he said. "We were in a tough position during the final, but the entire tournament went well for us, and my performances in both bowling and batting were satisfactory. I was instrumental in helping my team secure the win in four or five crucial matches." Additionally, Nabi has participated in three training sessions with the national team in Abu Dhabi, ensuring he is in peak physical and mental condition for the tournament.
Afghanistan’s Historic Appearance in the Champions Trophy
Afghanistan’s participation in the Champions Trophy marks a significant milestone for the country, as it is their first-ever appearance in the tournament. This opportunity came after their impressive sixth-place finish in the 2023 ODI World Cup and their semi-final run in the 2024 T20 World Cup. "We are thrilled to be part of this prestigious tournament," Nabi expressed. "It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team over the years. We have a mix of experienced players and young talents, and I believe we can make a good showing."
Squad Changes and New Talent
Afghanistan had to make one adjustment to their 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy, replacing the injured AM Ghazanfar with left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote. "Kharote is a promising youngster who has shown remarkable growth over the past two years," Nabi noted. "He is not only an excellent spinner but also a fantastic fielder. His performances against South Africa and Ireland in Sharjah have been outstanding, and I am confident he will add value to our team." This change reflects the team’s commitment to integrating new talent while maintaining a strong core of experienced players.
Looking Ahead to the Opening Match
Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy journey begins on February 21 against South Africa in Karachi. Following this, they will travel to Lahore to face England and Australia on February 26 and 28, respectively. Nabi is optimistic about the team’s prospects. "We are in a tough group against some of the best teams in the world, but we have prepared well and are ready for the challenge. Our squad is balanced, and we have a strong spirit. I believe we can surprise a few teams and make a meaningful impact in the tournament." The veteran all-rounder’s presence and experience will be invaluable as the Afghan team aims to make a lasting impression in their debut Champions Trophy appearance.
