Mohammad Nabi backtracks on retirement from ODIs, aims to share field with 18-year-old son for national team

New Delhi: Afghanistan's veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, who had earlier stated that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 would mark his farewell from One Day Internationals, has surprised everyone by expressing his desire to continue playing international cricket alongside his son, Hassan Eisakhil. Nabi revealed his new intention after Afghanistan's impressive 2-1 series win against Bangladesh in the UAE, hinting at a change in his future plans.

“These might not be my last ODIs, I will probably play less ODIs and give chances to the youngsters to build experience,” Nabi told the ICC. “I’ve discussed with the senior players and in the high-level games, maybe or maybe not, we’ll see. It will depend on my fitness.”

Nabi’s son, Eisakhil, who is 18 years old, has not yet played in international cricket. He participated in the Under-19 World Cup for Afghanistan in 2024.

“It’s my dream. Hopefully we can do it. He is doing very well … he is a hard worker and I’m also pushing him to do work.

“I want him to make his own goals, if you want to get to be a high-level cricketer, you have to work hard. It’s not enough to make 50 or 60, you have to score 100-plus. He’s listening and pushing all the time. When he can talk to me, I try to give him advice to give him confidence for the game.”

Following his team’s advancement to the semifinals in the ODI World Cup 2023 and the T20 World Cup 2025, Nabi expresses optimism about performing well in the Champions Trophy 2025.

“The preparations for the Champions Trophy have been good,” Nabi said. “I’ve been busy playing in the Bangladesh Premier League, was a champion over there. I did three sessions with the national team in Abu Dhabi so I’m in good shape.

“Winning the BPL gave me more confidence, from a tough position in the final. In the whole tournament, we did really well and my performances were good as well, bowling and also batting, I helped finish the job in four or five matches.”

Afghanistan is set to face South Africa in their first match of the campaign at National Stadium in Karachi on February 21.