Nabi says no plans to retire, hopes to play in next T20 World Cup

Afghanistan cricket legend Mohammad Nabi says he has no plans to retire and hopes to be selected for the next T20 World Cup in 2026, despite being 39 years old.

Nabi is currently ranked as Number 1 all rounder in ODIs by the ICC and 6th in T20 all rounder rankings.

He played a major role in Afghanistan’s rise to the top level of international cricket, playing in both the country’s first One Day International in April 2009 and their first Test match in June 2018.

He was also part of Afghanistan’s first T20I team which played against Ireland on 1 February 2010.

Currently leading Dambulla Sixers in the Lanka Premier League, Nabi told the media in Colombo on Friday he was determined to carry on his national duties for at least two more years if selected.

Asked how long he hoped to continue, he said: “For how long I want to continue my cricket? Still, my body is working and I am running fast. I am fielding in the boundary, taking catches well and doing bowling well. Still, I am doing well and I am trying to keep myself (fit) for as long as possible.”

“Afghanistan team needs me as well at this stage but still maybe the Champions Trophy will be my last Champions Trophy in 50-over [format] and after that maybe one year and that’s it,” he said adding that he is keen to end his career with the next edition of ICC T20 World Cup.

“Hope so (about playing in the next T20 World Cup). If I am selected I will have to play,” he said.

Nabi added that he is well aware that he is growing old and as a result, he tries to keep fit by maintaining a strict diet.

“I am not young as a forty-year-old man. Still, I try my best to train hard and do my recovery as quickly as possible and it all depends on your food and how you eat. How you eat clean and good food as it makes you more fit,” he said.

Nabi went on to say that franchise leagues have helped Afghanistan to be the team it is today. According to him, many national players play for leagues around the world.

“It gives us a lot of experience and also brings that experience in the national team and we share it with the youngsters,” he said.

“Afghanistan’s T20 performance [in the World Cup 2024] was really good. We beat big teams in the tournament. Yeah, first time in semi-final and in the tough four and that was a great achievement in my cricket life and hopefully more to come. As a team we played and performed in the World Cup and everyone contributed a lot in this World Cup,” he said.