A name that fits well with the rise of Afghan cricket, Mohammad Nabi is one of the most experienced all-rounders in world cricket. Known for his consistency, accurate off-spin and powerful stroke play, Nabi has played a key role in taking Afghanistan cricket forward. And that too from the streets of Logar to the world stage. Be it the ICC World Cup, the T20 league or an international match! Mohammad Nabi’s presence is filled with enthusiasm, leadership and determination.
From humble beginnings in Logar, Mohammad Nabi’s journey to international cricket is a story of resilience and hard work. He started playing cricket as a child in refugee camps in Pakistan, later honing his skills in local tournaments. His talent was first spotted by English cricketer Mike Gatting. Nabi then scored a brilliant century against the visiting MCC team.
That innings opened doors for Nabi, and he made his debut for Afghanistan in 2009. It was a time when the team was emerging as a new force in international cricket. Over the years, he became Afghanistan’s go-to all-rounder and a spinner capable of tearing apart line-ups.
| Format | Debut Match | Opponent | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | Afghanistan vs Scotland | Scotland | April 19, 2009 | Willowmoore Park |
| T20I | Afghanistan vs Ireland | Ireland | February 1, 2010 | P Sara Oval |
| Test | Afghanistan vs India | India | June 14, 2018 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium |
| IPL | SRH vs Punjab Kings | Punjab Kings | April 17, 2017 | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium |
| Format | Opponent | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | vs Bangladesh | October 14, 2025 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium |
| T20I | vs Zimbabwe | November 02, 2025 | Harare Sports Club |
| Test | vs Bangladesh | September 05, 2019 | Matiur Rahman Stadium |
| IPL | vs Lucknow Super Giants | April 30, 2024 | Ekana Cricket Stadium |
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest | Average | SR | 50s | 100s | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 3 | 6 | 33 | 24 | 5.50 | 48.53 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| ODI | 176 | 154 | 3750 | 136 | 27.37 | 87.93 | 18 | 2 | 241 | 120 |
| T20I | 144 | 135 | 2417 | 89 | 22.38 | 136.56 | 7 | 0 | 166 | 122 |
| IPL | 24 | 19 | 215 | 31 | 13.44 | 143.34 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 11 |
| Format | Matches | Innings | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | 4w | 5w | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 3 | 5 | 546 | 254 | 8 | 31.75 | 2.79 | 68.25 | 0 | 0 | 3/36 |
| ODI | 176 | 165 | 7996 | 5733 | 176 | 32.57 | 4.30 | 45.43 | 4 | 1 | 5/17 |
| T20I | 144 | 132 | 2416 | 2949 | 104 | 28.36 | 7.32 | 23.23 | 3 | 0 | 4/10 |
| IPL | 24 | 23 | 417 | 517 | 15 | 34.47 | 7.44 | 27.80 | 1 | 0 | 4/11 |
Mohammad Nabi made his debut in the Indian Premier League for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2017, becoming the first Afghan player to play in the IPL. His experience, calm demeanor and all-round skills have made him a valuable asset in T20 leagues around the world.
He has since represented franchises such as SRH, Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians.
In the 2024 season of the IPL, Nabi played as a spin all-rounder for Mumbai Indians. He was priced at ₹1 crore in the IPL auction, reflecting his value as a reliable T20 specialist.
The global cricketing footprint of Mohammad Nabi is an extensive one as he has played in almost every major T20 league worldwide:
Teams:
This global experience makes him one of the most versatile and respected all-rounders in modern cricket.
Nabi’s off-spin is varied, ranging from fly balls that tempt batsmen to skidding fastballs. On the other hand, his batting combines aggression and control, especially in pressure situations. In the limited-overs format, Nabi often plays the role of a finisher, capable of changing the game in a few overs.
His ability to contribute with both bat and ball, coupled with sharp fielding, makes him a complete T20 package.
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Even at the age of 40, Mohammad Nabi is a vital part of Afghanistan cricket. With leadership and a never-give-up attitude, he is a guiding light for the younger generation of Afghan cricketers. Nabi has expressed his dream of playing ODIs with his 18-year-old son, Ishaqeel, which shows his love and dedication to the game.
As Afghanistan looks forward to the 2026 T20 World Cup, Nabi’s presence will undoubtedly be important. And it was not just for his performances but also for his invaluable guidance.
Nabi is not just a cricketer; he is the beacon of Afghanistan’s cricket revolution. From refugee camps to leading his country on the world stage. An inspiring journey of over a decade of service is full of match-winning moments. This places Nabi at the top of most all-rounders in the world. While fans await his final chapter in international cricket, one thing is certain! Mohammad Nabi’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of Afghan cricketers to dream big.
Muhammad Nabi was born on January 1, 1985, which makes him 40 years old as of 2025.
Mohammad Nabi plays for Mumbai Indians in the 2024 IPL season.
Nabi plays in the number 7 jersey for Afghanistan, as this number is associated with leadership and experience.
His highest ODI score is 136, while his best T20I score is 89 runs.
Across all formats, Nabi has taken over 288 international wickets and has proven his consistency as a top-class all-rounder.