Full Name: Mohammad Shahzad Mohammadi Date of Birth: January 31, 1987 Birthplace: Jalalabad, Nangarhar, Afghanistan Teams: Afghanistan National Team, Peshawar Zalmi (PSL), Rangpur Riders (BPL), and various global T20 franchises If Rashid Khan is Afghanistan's wizard and Mohammad Nabi its statesman, then Mohammad Shahzad is undoubtedly the country's entertainer-in-chief — fearless, dynamic, and unforgettable. Known for his swashbuckling batting and booming personality, Shahzad brought color and charisma to Afghan cricket when it needed an identity the most. Born in Jalalabad, Shahzad’s love for cricket was rooted in street culture — a world of tennis balls, raw talent, and no formal coaching. From a young age, he idolized Indian opener Virender Sehwag, emulating his fearless hitting and unshackled style. Like Sehwag, Shahzad too believed that the best defense was a blazing drive through cover or a towering six over long-on. His journey began in Afghanistan's early cricketing days, when international exposure was limited and resources scarce. Shahzad was one of the trailblazers who helped Afghanistan climb from ICC’s lower divisions to eventually earn Test status. He made his ODI debut in 2009, and soon established himself as a destructive opener who could turn matches single-handedly. Shahzad’s batting is defined by brute power and outrageous improvisation. Whether he’s reverse-sweeping fast bowlers or launching them out of the park, he always brings the crowd to its feet. His strike rate, especially in T20 Internationals, has consistently been among the best for Afghanistan, and he remains the first Afghan batter to score a T20I century — a thunderous 118* off 67 balls against Zimbabwe in 2016. In ODIs, Shahzad has also been a key performer, with multiple centuries and numerous explosive starts. His ability to unsettle world-class bowlers within the powerplay made him a vital weapon. He was instrumental in Afghanistan’s victory over West Indies in the 2016 T20 World Cup, where he dismantled their bowlers with fearless hitting. Off the pitch, Shahzad’s personality is as flamboyant as his game. His hearty laugh, larger-than-life presence, and love for music and motorbikes have made him a cult hero among fans. He’s never been shy — whether it’s celebrating with dance moves or challenging bowlers with his signature bat-twirling swagger. Yet, Shahzad's journey has also seen its share of controversies and challenges. From fitness issues to brief suspensions, he’s faced criticism, but always bounced back with sheer will and undying love for the game. His selection inconsistencies never dampened his spirit — every return felt like a comeback story in itself. As a wicketkeeper, he added significant value with his quick reflexes and loud presence behind the stumps. He was not just an opener, but a package — a mood-lifter, a motivator, and a batter who could shift momentum in minutes. Today, even if Shahzad isn’t a regular in Afghanistan’s squad, his influence remains. He is a pioneer, a crowd favorite, and a symbol of fearless cricket. For countless fans, especially those from rural Afghanistan, Shahzad isn’t just a cricketer — he’s a reminder that even dreams born in dust can explode onto the world stage.