Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi confirmed his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) after the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.
Naseeb Khan— the chief executive of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in a recent interview disclosed that the 39-year-old Afghan cricketer has informed the board about his plans to retire from the 50 overs format.
Nabi’s ODI retirement points out a significant step taken considering the smooth transition for the Afghanistan team. However, fans can still enjoy his all-round abilities in T20 cricket.
Naseeb Khan About Mohammad Nabi’s Retirement
While speaking to Cricbuzz, ACB chief Naseeb Khan validated the news regarding Mohammad Nabi’s retirement:
“Yeah! It is confirmed. Mohammad Nabi has decided to retire from ODIs after the 2025 Champions Trophy. He informed the board about his plans. A few months back, he revealed his thoughts about finishing his ODI career upon the completion of the Champions Trophy, and we are satisfied with his decision. Moreover, I understand that he might continue his T20 career after the Champions Trophy, which is the plan till now,” Naseem Khan said.
Mohammad Nabi’s Contribution to ODIs
Having played 165 ODI matches for Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi’s role has been exceptional. He was indeed one of the most valuable key players that helped Afghanistan rise to prominence.
These are the key highlights of Nabi’s stats in terms of batting and bowling since his ODI debut in April 2009 against Scotland updated till 06th November 2024 :
BATTING:
- 3,537 runs out of 4,084 balls faced in 145 innings at an average of 27.0 and 86.61 strike rate.
- 17 fifties and 2 centuries in the 50-over format.
- Highest Individual score of 136 runs from 130 balls (including 15 fours and 3 sixes) vs Sri Lanka on 9th February 2024.
- 230 Fours and 108 Sixes.
- Scored a half-century in his debut match — 58 runs from 64 balls (including 3 fours and 3 sixes) at a batting strike rate of 90.63.
BOWLING:
- 171 wickets in 159 innings at an economy of 4.28, and a bowling strike rate of 45.11 averaging at 32.16.
- Best bowling figures of 5-17 in 10 overs (including 3 maiden overs) vs Ireland on 12th March 2024.
- Conceded 5,499 runs out of 7,714 balls bowled.
Mohammad Nabi’s Recent Form in ODIs: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Series 2024
Mohammad Nabi has been in peak form during his recent appearance in the first ODI match against Bangladesh in the ongoing 3-match ODI series. It was the first time that both these teams clashed with each other in Sharjah on November 6.
Although Afghanistan collapsed at the initial stages of their first innings, the entire team bounced back by exhibiting a dominant show in the latter half and secured a massive victory by 92 runs riding on Mohammad Nabi’s valiant half-century.
At one stage, the Afghan batters were struggling with a total of 71-5 in 20 overs. But, Mohammad Nabi batting at the No.7 spot scored 84 runs from 79 balls (including 4 fours and 3 sixes) and guided his team to a respectable total of 235-10 in 49.4 overs. He maintained a crucial 104-run partnership with the skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi who played a supportive role with his 92-ball-52 runs (including 2 fours).
Afghan off-spinner Allah Ghazanfar’s 6-26 in 6.3 overs wrapped up Bangladesh’s innings to 143-10 in 34.3 overs. But, it was Mohammad Nabi who marked the game-changing moments.
The senior all-rounder grabbed a crucial wicket of the Bangladeshi captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, the top run scorer in the match for his side by scoring 47 runs from 68 balls (including 4 fours and 2 sixes). He conceded just 23 runs in 4.2 overs which slowed down the opponent team’s run chase.
Overall Facts:
Mohammad Nabi’s recent performances in ODIs prove that his absence would certainly be felt in the 50-over format. This is because even at the age of 39, his consistency is unmatched by the present generation of cricketers. Afghanistan is left with five ODI matches ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
As Afghanistan leads the 3-match ODI series 1-0, the entire focus shifts to the second ODI that will be played on November 09 (Saturday) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Hashmatullah Shahidi and his men would aim to clinch the series with a 2-0 lead. On the other side, Bangladesh hopes to level the scoreline with 1-1 to keep their chances of winning the series.
Mohammed Nabi’s retirement becomes the talking point of the town as Afghanistan is approaching the Champions Trophy 2025. Finally, it could be a grand farewell for an iconic player in Afghanistan’s cricket history in ICC’s high-profile tournament.
