Mohammad Nabi

Biography

Mohammad Nabi Eisakhil was born on January 1, 1985, in Logar Province, Afghanistan. His early life was marked by conflict and displacement, as his family fled to Pakistan during the Soviet-Afghan War. It was in refugee camps in Peshawar where Nabi discovered cricket—a game that would eventually define his life and transform the sporting landscape of Afghanistan.

A natural talent with both bat and ball, Nabi began playing cricket with a tennis ball on the streets before transitioning into formal cricketing environments in Pakistan. His all-around abilities, keen understanding of the game, and leadership instincts set him apart early on.

Domestic and Early International Cricket
Nabi started gaining recognition playing for Afghan domestic sides and quickly became a pillar of the national team when Afghanistan began its journey in the international cricketing circuit. His performances in the ICC World Cricket League tournaments during the late 2000s were instrumental in Afghanistan’s meteoric rise through the ranks of Associate cricket.

He played a key role in helping Afghanistan achieve One Day International (ODI) status in 2009 and later Test status in 2017. From the early stages, Nabi was seen as a leader, calm under pressure, and always contributing in crucial moments.

International Career
Mohammad Nabi made his ODI debut against Scotland in 2009 and later featured in Afghanistan’s maiden T20I and Test matches. Over the years, he has become one of Afghanistan’s most experienced and reliable cricketers across all formats.

A right-handed middle-order batsman and a crafty off-spin bowler, Nabi is celebrated for his match-winning performances, especially in the limited-overs formats. He has often acted as the glue in Afghanistan’s batting lineup, while also providing control and breakthroughs with the ball.

He served as captain of the national side on multiple occasions, including during crucial World Cup qualifiers and T20 World Cups, guiding the team through transitional periods and emerging as a mentor to younger players.

T20 Franchise Cricket
Nabi has been one of the most sought-after all-rounders in global T20 franchise cricket. He has played in leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League (BBL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and the Pakistan Super League (PSL), among others.

His ability to bowl tight overs, hit big shots in the lower middle-order, and bring experience to high-pressure situations has made him a valuable asset in every team he’s played for.

Playing Style and Strengths
Nabi is a classical all-rounder with the ability to influence games with both bat and ball. As a batsman, he is known for his powerful hitting, especially against spin bowling. With the ball, his off-spin is characterized by subtle variations in flight and pace, making him effective in containing runs and picking up wickets in the middle overs.

He is also known for his sharp cricketing acumen, which shines through in his field placements and tactical decisions, particularly when captaining or mentoring younger teams.

Career Highlights

Representing Afghanistan in their first-ever ODI, T20I, and Test matches.

Playing a vital role in Afghanistan’s historic victory against the West Indies in the 2016 T20 World Cup.

Became the first Afghan cricketer to play in the IPL.

Serving as captain in multiple ICC tournaments.

Consistently ranked among the top T20 all-rounders in the world.

Off the Field
Mohammad Nabi is widely respected not just for his cricketing skills but for his humility, leadership, and dedication to his country. He has been a central figure in promoting cricket in Afghanistan and has worked closely with emerging players to help them transition into the international arena.

He is also involved in charitable and development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of youth in Afghanistan through sport.