When you think of Afghanistan cricket, one name instantly comes to mind — Mohammad Nabi. Often called the “Captain Cool” of Afghan cricket, Nabi isn’t just a player; he’s a symbol of resilience, passion, and leadership. From humble beginnings in Logar to becoming one of the most respected all-rounders in world cricket, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
As of 2025, Nabi continues to inspire millions, not just for his game, but for his dedication to building Afghanistan’s cricketing future.
Quick Personal Snapshot
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mohammad Nabi |
| Date of Birth | January 1, 1985 (Age 40) |
| Birthplace | Logar, Afghanistan |
| Nationality | Afghan |
| Height | – |
| Role | All-Rounder |
| Batting Style | Right-Handed Bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-Arm Offbreak |
Rankings Snapshot (as of April 2025)
| Format | Batting Rank | Bowling Rank |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 58 | 14 |
| T20I | 63 | 77 |
| Test | – | – |
Even at 40, Nabi remains among the world’s top-performing all-rounders — a testament to his fitness, mindset, and love for the game.
Batting Career Overview
Mohammad Nabi isn’t your typical power-hitter — he’s a smart batsman who knows how to adapt. Whether it’s stabilizing the innings or going big in the death overs, Nabi has done it all.
Test Career
Although Afghanistan has played limited Test cricket, Nabi made his mark in the longer format too.
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6 | 33 | 24 | 5.5 | 48.53 |
While his Test record might not shine as brightly as his limited-overs stats, it laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s entry into the world of Test cricket.
ODI Career
This is where Mohammad Nabi truly shines. As a middle-order batsman and finisher, he has played match-winning knocks time and again.
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 173 | 151 | 3655 | 136 | 26.88 | 87.24 |
-
50s: 17
-
100s: 2
-
Sixes: 113
-
Fours: 237
Nabi’s fearless approach, especially against spinners, and his knack for rotating strike make him a consistent performer in ODIs.
T20I Career
In T20 cricket, Nabi has become a fan favorite — known for his quick-fire cameos and clutch performances under pressure.
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 131 | 124 | 2237 | 89 | 22.6 | 136.24 |
-
50s: 6
-
Sixes: 109
-
Fours: 156
He’s not just a hitter; he’s a game-reader. His ability to analyze situations and adjust his tempo makes him invaluable in T20s.
IPL Career
Nabi’s stints in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad added global recognition to his name.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 215 | 31 | 143.34 |
He might not have had as many IPL opportunities as others, but his impact—both with the bat and ball—was significant every time he got the chance.
Bowling Career Overview
If batting makes Nabi reliable, his bowling makes him irreplaceable. His calm demeanor and strategic spin have often changed games in Afghanistan’s favor.
Test Bowling
| Matches | Wickets | Best Inning | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 8 | 3/36 | 31.75 | 2.79 |
Even in Afghanistan’s early Test days, Nabi’s bowling provided much-needed stability on foreign pitches.
ODI Bowling
| Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 173 | 176 | 5/17 | 32.42 | 4.3 |
-
5-Wicket Hauls: 1
Nabi’s ability to contain runs and break partnerships is what makes him one of Afghanistan’s most dependable ODI bowlers.
T20I Bowling
| Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 131 | 97 | 4/10 | 28.14 | 7.31 |
His off-spin variations and tactical changes in pace have troubled top international batsmen time and again.
IPL Bowling
| Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 15 | 4/11 | 7.44 |
Whether playing in Indian conditions or on turning tracks abroad, Nabi’s bowling adds depth and control to any team he represents.
Career Timeline
Let’s take a quick walk through Mohammad Nabi’s cricketing timeline — a journey marked by milestones and dedication.
| Format | Debut Match | Last Match (as of 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| T20I | vs Ireland, Feb 1, 2010 (P Sara Oval) | vs Zimbabwe, Dec 14, 2024 (Harare Sports Club) |
| Test | vs India, Jun 14, 2018 (M. Chinnaswamy Stadium) | vs Bangladesh, Sep 5, 2019 (Matiur Rahman Stadium) |
| ODI | vs Scotland, Apr 19, 2009 (Willowmoore Park) | vs Australia, Feb 28, 2025 (Gaddafi Stadium) |
| IPL | vs Punjab Kings, Apr 17, 2017 (Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium) | vs Lucknow Super Giants, Apr 30, 2024 (Ekana Stadium) |
Each phase of his career reflects his evolution — from a young dreamer to an experienced leader guiding a new generation of Afghan cricketers.
What Makes Mohammad Nabi So Special?
-
Leadership Under Pressure
Nabi’s calmness, both as captain and senior player, sets him apart. He’s known for backing his players and leading by example. -
Consistency Across Formats
Be it T20 leagues or international matches, Nabi’s performances rarely dip — a rare quality in modern cricket. -
Mentorship for Young Players
Beyond his personal stats, Nabi is a mentor. Players like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have often credited him for guidance and discipline. -
Global Recognition
From the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to the Big Bash League (BBL), Nabi’s influence has expanded well beyond Afghanistan.
The Mind Behind the Game
Nabi is not just a player who reacts — he thinks. His ability to read pitch conditions, understand opposition tactics, and adjust accordingly makes him one of the smartest all-rounders in the modern era.
Whether Afghanistan needs quick runs or crucial breakthroughs, Nabi always finds a way to deliver.
Also Read : Joe Root Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Legacy and Future
As of 2025, Mohammad Nabi stands as a living legend — a pioneer who carried Afghan cricket from war-torn beginnings to international fame. Even as new stars emerge, his mentorship ensures that Afghanistan’s cricketing culture remains grounded and ambitious.
His journey reminds us that cricket isn’t just about scores — it’s about perseverance, pride, and purpose.
Final Thoughts
Mohammad Nabi’s story is more than just a sports biography — it’s a lesson in resilience. From playing on dusty fields in Logar to facing world champions on international grounds, Nabi’s career reflects what’s possible when passion meets persistence.
For fans across the globe, he’s not just Afghanistan’s first true cricketing hero — he’s an inspiration to anyone chasing a dream.
