By Zainab Shafiq 
Age is just a number, and Mohammad Nabi continues to prove it as at the age of 40 years and 51 days, the seasoned Afghanistan all-rounder has etched his name among the oldest cricketers to play in the ICC Champions Trophy, marking another milestone in his illustrious career.
Facing South Africa in Karachi, Nabi’s presence on the field was not just symbolic; he made an instant impact. Called upon in the sixth over, he dismissed opener Tony de Zorzi with a sharp back-of-length delivery before sending Temba Bavuma packing for 58, showcasing his enduring skill and game awareness.
Top 5 oldest cricketers to play Champions Trophy – Mohammad Nabi ranks sixth
This achievement places Nabi alongside some of cricket’s greats who have defied age, including 🇺🇸 Donovan Blake (42y 284d), 🇺🇸 Clayton Lambert (42y 213d), 🇺🇸 Tony Reid (42y 157d), 🇺🇸 Mark Johnson (40y 321d), and 🇱🇰 Sanath Jayasuriya (40y 89d).
Having played over 170 ODIs, Nabi has been a cornerstone of Afghanistan’s cricketing rise, even before their Full Member status. His legacy extends beyond the numbers—3,618 ODI runs and 172 wickets—as he continues to guide Afghanistan with his experience and leadership.
Though he retired from Test cricket in 2019 and hinted at the 2025 Champions Trophy being his final tournament, recent remarks suggest he might reconsider. Nabi has expressed a heartfelt wish to continue playing until he can share the field with his son, Hassan Eisakhil—a dream that may just keep him in action for a few more years.
With Afghanistan making its Champions Trophy debut following a stellar 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, Nabi’s role remains crucial. His performance against South Africa underlines his value, proving that experience is as vital as youthful energy in the modern game.
As the tournament unfolds, cricket fans will be eager to see how much longer the Afghan veteran extends his career—and whether his son will eventually join him on the field, fulfilling a dream that transcends generations.
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