Credit: X
Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi has confirmed he won’t bring curtains down to his ODI career after the Champions Trophy 2025 to be played in Pakistan and Dubai. However, the all-rounder has also confirmed that he will not make much appearances for the Afghan side in the ODI format after the marquee event. Nabi also possesses the dream to serve the national side along with his son Hassan Eisakhil, who represented Afghanistan in the Under-19 World Cup 2024 played in South Africa.
Nabi has looked excellent for Afghanistan after making his international debut in 2009. In the Afghan side’s unprecedented growth in white-ball cricket, Nabi has made a major contribution with his all-round prowess. Back in November 2023, the right-handed player announced that he would retire from ODIs after his appearance in the Champions Trophy 2025. However, Nabi is now looking to extend his career as he is hopeful of his son’s selection in the national squad soon.
"It's my dream. Hopefully, we can do it. He (Nabi's son) is doing very well. He is a hard worker, and I am also pushing him to put in the effort. I want him to set his own goals. If you want to become a high-level cricketer, you have to work hard. It's not enough to score 50 or 60-you need to get 100-plus. He's listening and pushing himself all the time. Whenever he talks to me, I try to give him advice and build his confidence," said Nabi in an interview.
Afghanistan have the opportunity to make their Champions Trophy debut memorable
Afghanistan, who will make their Champions Trophy debut with their appearance in the upcoming ODI extravaganza, have the opportunity to maintain their form and leave an impact in the competition. Their performances have been phenomenal in the last two ICC events. In World Cup 2023 played in India, they hammered quality sides such as Pakistan and England while in the T20 World Cup 2024, they humiliated Australia and New Zealand and played their maiden knockout game in ICC events.
The Hashmatullah Shahidi-led pack is placed in Group B, along with the two-time champions Australia, England, and South Africa. The Asian side will start their campaign against the Proteas at the National Bank Stadium on February 21. Back in December 2024, Afghanistan toured Zimbabwe and won the series against the home team by a 2-0 margin.
