Afghanistan’s best all-around player, Mohammad Nabi, is to step down from the ODI format after the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 39-year-old, who has seen the rise and fall of Afghanistan cricket, is now looking forward to his last match in the 50-over format. He is believed to have informed the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) of his decision and will continue to play T20 Internationals. Nabi’s ODI career included standout performances in which his careful and cool attitude helped Afghanistan defeat powerful rivals all around the world.
Mohammad Nabi Pushes AFG Cricket’s Limits
After Afghanistan’s huge ODI series victory over Bangladesh in Sharjah on Monday, November 11, Mohammad Nabi announced his retirement. Plus, he was named “Player of the Series” after Afghanistan’s 2-1 win for his all-around performance in the three-game series. The 39-year-old has been vital to AFG’s rank in both T20Is and ODIs. Nabi is now a well-known figure in all formats. Also, he was the veteran ODI captain in Afghanistan’s debut 50-over World Cup campaign in 2015.
Afghanistan has defeated more than 30 nations since Mohammad Nabi made his debut for the national squad in 2009. However, many countries are still struggling for the Test-playing status that Afghanistan attained in 2017. AFG has made enormous progress, defeating Test-playing nations like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, England, Australia, New Zealand, and the West Indies. They also went from victories over powerful teams like Denmark, Italy, Argentina, and Tanzania to more strong nations like Scotland, UAE, Namibia, Netherlands, etc.
Nabi’s Journey From Debut-Present
On and off the field, “The President,” Mohammad Nabi, is known for his great leadership skills. Throughout his career, there have been several amazing moments. It includes his recent 82-run crushing of Bangladesh in the current ODI series in Sharjah. As well his first half-century against Scotland was also outstanding. Nabi is a 39-year-old batter, yet his contributions to the Afghanistan squad are unmatched. With a total of 3,600 ODI runs from 167 games, Mohammad Nabi is Afghanistan’s second-highest run scorer in the format, averaging 27.48 and hitting 86.99.
When one considers his statistics, his contribution as a successful bowler becomes even more important. At an average of 32.47, Nabi’s off-spin has claimed 172 wickets. It is the second-highest total for AFG. Since making his debut, Mohammad Nabi has come to represent the excellence and true potential of Afghanistan cricket. He is appreciated not just for his extraordinary cricket abilities, but also for his energy to motivate and manage a young squad on the world stage.
Nabi’s influence extends beyond his successes. In reality, Mohammad Nabi represents Afghanistan’s cricket superb journey. He has guided his team through multiple setbacks and has also faced a lot of criticism, but Nabi continued to inspire a new generation of Afghan cricketers. Afghanistan will make its debut at the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. They made it by placing sixth in the India-hosted 2023 ODI World Cup. The eight-team Champions Trophy includes the top seven teams from the most recent ODI World Cup, as well as hosts Pakistan.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Champions Trophy will mark the end of Mohammad Nabi’s ODI career. This will be the final tournament to his amazing journey in the 50-over format, giving supporters one final chance to take him into action in ODIs. It is safe to say that Afghanistan will hit a turning point with Nabi’s retirement since one of its most seasoned players will no longer be part of the team. Mohammad Nabi remains a legend in Afghan cricket history and an important part of the team in Twenty20 matches.
