Mohammad Nabi : Afghanistan’s cricketing stalwart Mohammad Nabi, an all rounder whose career has helped shape Afghan cricket, is set to retire from One Day Internationals (ODIs) following the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. A foundational figure in Afghanistan’s journey to the global cricket stage, Nabi’s 15 year ODI career will leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of fans and his team alike.
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Nabi’s 15 Year ODI Legacy
Debuting in 2009 against Scotland, Mohammad Nabi made an immediate impact with a half-century, marking the beginning of a prolific ODI career that would see him become Afghanistan’s second highest run scorer and wicket taker in ODIs. Across 165 matches, Nabi scored 3,549 runs at an average of 27.3, with two centuries and 17 fifties, while also claiming 171 wickets with a best of 5/17.
As Afghanistan’s first player to achieve 3,000 runs and 100 wickets in ODIs, Nabi has been a consistent all rounder, instrumental in some of Afghanistan’s biggest ODI victories. His contribution in the recent win over Bangladesh, where he scored 82 runs to set up a competitive total, is yet another testament to his enduring skill and match winning abilities.
A Farewell to ODIs, But Not to Cricket
Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chief executive Naseeb Khan confirmed that Nabi expressed his wish to retire from ODIs following the Champions Trophy. The board fully supports his decision, recognizing his invaluable contribution over the years. Despite his retirement from ODIs, Nabi will continue representing Afghanistan in T20 Internationals, with an eye on the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Having retired from Test cricket in 2019, Nabi’s decision to continue with T20s means that Afghan fans will still witness their beloved all rounder’s magic on the field in the shortest format.
Why Now? A Leader Passing the Torch
At 39, Nabi believes the Afghan ODI squad is in strong hands under captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and coach Jonathan Trott. Their leadership has brought stability and growth, steering the team toward competing against major cricketing nations. For Nabi, this marks the perfect moment to step away, trusting the team to continue Afghanistan’s upward trajectory.
Reflecting on Nabi’s leadership, fans will remember how he helped Afghanistan rise from playing smaller teams to challenging and defeating giants like Pakistan and England. His role in these victories, and his record of playing in Afghanistan’s first ODI, Test, and T20 matches, places him among Afghanistan’s most celebrated cricketers.
Nabi’s Record Breaking ODI Milestones
Nabi’s list of achievements in ODIs is extensive:
- First Afghan Player to Reach 100 Wickets
- First Afghan Player to Reach 3,000 Runs and 100 Wickets
- Sixth Oldest to Score an ODI Century (at 39 years, 39 days)
- Third Oldest to Take a 5-Wicket Haul in ODIs
- Part of 100 Consecutive ODI Matches for Afghanistan
What’s Next for Nabi?
Post retirement from ODIs, Nabi plans to concentrate on his T20 career, and with the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, Afghan fans have much to look forward to. His experience and all rounder skills will continue to bring value to the T20 squad, allowing him to nurture emerging players and contribute to Afghanistan’s growth on the world stage.
Mohammad Nabi’s retirement from ODIs marks the end of an era, but his impact on Afghanistan cricket will resonate for generations. From leading the team to historic victories to setting records as an all-rounder, Nabi’s career serves as an inspiration for young Afghan cricketers and fans worldwide. His name will forever remain synonymous with Afghanistan’s rise in the cricketing world, a testament to dedication, perseverance, and passion for the sport.
FAQs
How long has Mohammad Nabi been playing ODI cricket?
Nabi has been playing ODI cricket for Afghanistan since 2009, spanning over 15 years
When will Mohammad Nabi retire from ODI cricket?
He will retire from ODI cricket after the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025
