November 12, 2024: Mohammad Nabi’s decision to retire from One Day Internationals (ODIs) after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marks the end of an era for Afghanistan cricket.
The veteran all-rounder, who has been a key figure in Afghanistan’s rise on the global cricket stage, will undoubtedly leave a huge legacy in the 50-over format. His announcement comes shortly after his brilliant performance in Afghanistan’s historic 2-1 series win over Bangladesh in Sharjah, where he was named Player of the Series for his all-round brilliance.
Nabi’s journey with Afghanistan cricket has been extraordinary. Since making his debut in 2009, he has witnessed and contributed to the team’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming a competitive force in world cricket. Afghanistan’s progression from playing against the likes of Denmark, Italy, and Argentina to challenging top-tier teams like Australia, England, and Pakistan on the international stage is a testament to Nabi’s contributions, both on and off the field. His all-round prowess, with both bat and ball, has been a constant for Afghanistan.
At 39, Nabi’s recent performances, including his match-winning contributions in the series against Bangladesh, show he is still a vital player for his team. His 135 runs in the series, along with his two wickets, underline his ongoing importance in both aspects of the game. With 3,600 ODI runs and 172 wickets, his numbers speak volumes about his longevity and adaptability. He is the second-highest run-scorer for Afghanistan in ODIs and has been pivotal in many of their biggest wins, including upsets over major cricketing nations.
While Nabi’s decision to step away from ODIs marks the end of an era, it’s good to know that he will continue to play in the T20I format, giving Afghanistan fans and cricket enthusiasts around the world a few more years of his skill and leadership.
The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be a significant milestone for Afghanistan, as it will be their first appearance in the prestigious event. For Nabi, it could well be a fitting farewell to ODI cricket, a format in which he has given so much to his team. It’s hard to overstate his influence on Afghan cricket, not just for his performances, but also for the role he has played in mentoring younger players and helping elevate Afghanistan’s stature in world cricket. As he prepares for this final ODI chapter, the cricketing world will surely be watching to see how he leaves his mark one last time.
