It was just 2017 when Afghanistan officially attained full member status from the ICC. Fast forward a few years, and not only have they secured full membership, but they’ve also made massive waves.
Yesterday, in the ICC Champions Trophy, Afghanistan did the unthinkable again – beating England, just as they did six months ago in the World Cup. But this success isn’t just a stroke of luck; it’s the result of years of growth, determination, and an unwavering spirit.
To think, just a little over a decade ago, Afghanistan was playing in the 5th division league, fighting to make their mark. The transformation is nothing short of remarkable.
Here are 5 Players who have already made a strong contribution and will likely to do so in future.
1. Mohammad Nabi – The Father of Afghan Cricket
Mohammad Nabi, affectionately known as the “father of Afghan cricket,” has been the backbone of the team’s rise from the very beginning. He was there when Afghanistan was battling minnows like Botswana in the 5th division league, and he’s still there, towering over the competition at the age of 40. Nabi remains the highest run-scorer for Afghans with over 5800 runs.
Nabi’s experience, leadership, and all-round skills have been pivotal in guiding Afghanistan through its meteoric rise. From humble beginnings to global stardom, Nabi’s journey mirrors that of his country’s cricketing story.
2. Rashid Khan – The IPL Superstar Who Put Afghanistan on the Global Stage
Then came Rashid Khan, who has become the face of Afghanistan’s cricketing revolution. His extraordinary performances in the IPL turned him into a global sensation, placing Afghanistan firmly on the cricketing map. With his mesmerizing leg-spin, Rashid not only dazzled IPL fans but also elevated Afghanistan’s profile, showing the world that they were no longer just a team to be overlooked. His rise has been a game-changer, proving that talent can shine through even in the toughest of competitions. Rashid khan has over 400 wickets and is the highest wicket taker for Afghanistan in all formats.
3. Mohammad Shahzad – The Explosive Opener
Mohammad Shahzad, once a crucial figure in Afghanistan’s success, is no longer a regular member of the side. Known for his aggressive and explosive batting at the top of the order, Shahzad was the kind of player who could turn the course of a game in just a few balls. His performances earned him recognition worldwide, and he was often considered the face of Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket.
However, the standards of Afghanistan cricket have risen to such a level that even a player of Shahzad’s caliber has to fight hard for a place in the team. His weight issues, which have been a constant challenge, now stand in the way of him securing a spot in a team brimming with talent.
4. Ibrahim Zadran – The One For The Future
In Afghanistan’s pool of rising stars, Ibrahim Zadran stands out as the future of their batting lineup. The 23-year-old announced himself on the big stage with a brilliant century against Australia in the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Now, fresh from an injury layoff, he has once again made headlines in the ICC Champions Trophy, smashing a breathtaking 177—the highest individual score not just for Afghanistan but in the tournament’s history. With an impressive average of over 50 in the last year, Zadran is shaping up to be a key figure in Afghanistan’s cricketing future.
5. Azmatullah Omarzai – The All-Rounder Afghanistan Needed
For years, ODI cricket has lacked a true all-rounder who can consistently deliver with both bat and ball. Afghanistan found their answer in Azmatullah Omarzai. A solid middle-order batsman and a lethal fast-bowling option, Omarzai is proving to be the missing link in Afghanistan’s lineup. The ODI cricketer of the year for 2024 is moving steadily up the ranks. His recent performances have been nothing short of sensational—he dismantled England with a brilliant five-wicket haul in the ICC Champions Trophy and followed it up with a gritty 60-odd against Australia while batting with the tail.
With his ability to change games single-handedly, Omarzai is quickly emerging as one of Afghanistan’s most valuable assets.
Other Notable Mentions
The 5 players we picked have had tremendous impact. But the heights that Afghanistan Cricket has scaled has some other contributions too. Here are some other notable players.
- Rahmat Shah
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Asghar Afghan
