Full Name: Mohammad Nabi Eisakhil Date of Birth: January 1, 1985 Birthplace: Logar Province, Afghanistan Teams: Afghanistan National Team, Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL), Melbourne Renegades (BBL), Karachi Kings (PSL), and many global franchises When the story of Afghanistan cricket is written, one name will echo across every chapter — Mohammad Nabi. The elder statesman, the first professional Afghan cricketer, and a true pioneer, Nabi has not only carried Afghanistan’s cricketing hopes for nearly two decades, but has also nurtured an entire generation of cricketers. Born in Logar, Afghanistan, Nabi's early life was shaped by conflict and displacement. As a child, he fled to Peshawar, Pakistan, during the Afghan civil war. It was there, on makeshift pitches, that he first fell in love with cricket. Despite limited resources, he honed his game with sheer determination and a strong sense of identity. His all-round skills began to emerge — elegant batting mixed with intelligent off-spin bowling. In the early 2000s, before Afghanistan even had ICC recognition, Nabi played for Afghan migrant teams. His big break came when he was spotted by former England captain Mike Gatting during a tour game. Impressed by Nabi’s talent, Gatting facilitated his entry into structured cricket. By 2009, he was a key part of Afghanistan’s first-ever ODI match, and soon after, their rise to the T20 World Cup in 2010. From that moment, Nabi became the pillar of Afghan cricket. He scored their first half-century in T20 World Cups, took crucial wickets, and guided the team tactically through their transition from Division Five to Full Member status. As captain, his leadership was humble, calm, and mature — just like his playing style. Nabi’s numbers speak volumes. He is Afghanistan’s most-capped cricketer, their first to 100 ODI wickets, and a regular match-winner with both bat and ball. His versatility made him an asset in all formats — scoring crucial runs in the lower order, bowling economical spells, and even opening the innings when required. But his impact wasn’t limited to Afghanistan. In global T20 leagues, Nabi became a household name. Whether it was the IPL, PSL, BBL, or CPL, he brought experience, discipline, and calm to every side. Playing alongside and against global legends, Nabi not only held his own but often outshone them with game-turning performances. His stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL was particularly memorable, where he formed a lethal spin duo with Rashid Khan. Off the field, Nabi is revered as a mentor — guiding younger Afghan stars like Rashid, Mujeeb, and Gurbaz. Despite global fame, he remains humble, rooted, and deeply connected to Afghanistan’s youth, often engaging in humanitarian work and using his platform to raise awareness about peace and education. Now in his late 30s, Nabi may not feature in every match, but his influence is felt in every dressing room. He is more than just an all-rounder — he is the heart and conscience of Afghan cricket, a living bridge between struggle and success.