Full Name: Aftab Alam Date of Birth: November 30, 1992 Birthplace: Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan Teams: Afghanistan National Team, Speen Ghar Region, Mis Ainak Knights (Shpageeza League) In a cricketing setup often dominated by spinners, Aftab Alam emerged as a beacon of pace and control—an Afghan fast bowler who brought skill, aggression, and emotion into every spell he bowled. With a sharp bowling action and a natural outswinger, Aftab gave Afghanistan a dependable pace option, especially in limited-overs cricket. Born in Nangarhar, a cricket-loving province in eastern Afghanistan, Aftab grew up amid political instability but found solace and purpose in cricket. Like many Afghan cricketers of his generation, he started with tennis-ball cricket on dusty grounds, eventually transitioning to hard-ball cricket through sheer determination. From a very young age, Aftab stood out for his ability to bowl with purpose, combining speed and swing in equal measure. He made his international debut in 2010, in an ODI against Canada. Though still young and raw, Aftab showed promise with his natural swing and wicket-taking ability. Over the next few years, he evolved into a specialist white-ball bowler, especially effective with the new ball and in the death overs. His ability to generate movement, even on flat pitches, made him a tough customer for top-order batters. Aftab’s career-high point came during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. Despite Afghanistan’s disappointing overall campaign, Aftab was a standout performer, finishing as the team’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament. He claimed 9 wickets in 4 matches, including a brilliant spell of 4/30 against Sri Lanka. His energy, aggression, and consistent line and length earned him praise from experts across the globe. That World Cup was proof that Aftab could perform on the grandest stages. Aftab’s bowling style—skiddy, attacking, and swing-based—was a valuable asset, especially in conditions favoring seamers. He was often used as the strike bowler in ODIs and T20s, known for his wicket-taking knack during the powerplay. While not the fastest in terms of pace, his control and intelligence made him a potent weapon in Afghanistan’s bowling lineup. Unfortunately, Aftab’s promising career faced a setback after the 2019 World Cup, when off-field disciplinary issues led to a suspension by the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Though the situation was regrettable, it marked a period of reflection and growth for him. Aftab later returned to domestic cricket, eager to redeem himself through performances and hard work. Beyond his on-field skills, Aftab Alam was known for his passionate attitude—he celebrated wickets with fierce pride and wore his heart on his sleeve. His emotional connection with the game made him a fan favorite, especially among those who admired his fighting spirit. Today, Aftab Alam remains a respected figure in Afghan cricket circles, especially in the domestic arena. While his international appearances became limited, he continues to inspire younger bowlers with his discipline, skill, and story of resilience. His journey from the rough fields of Nangarhar to World Cup stadiums around the world is a reminder of Afghanistan cricket’s rise—and the key figures who helped build it.