Tue Nov 12 20:03:57 UTC 2024: ## Afghanistan’s ODI Legend, Mohammad Nabi, Announces Retirement After Champions Trophy 2025

**KARACHI, PAKISTAN:** Veteran Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has announced his retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket after next year’s ICC Champions Trophy. The 39-year-old, one of the most celebrated figures in Afghan cricket history, will play his final ODI series in Pakistan, marking the end of a remarkable career spanning 14 years.

Nabi, who made his international debut in 2009, has been an integral part of Afghanistan’s rise in the cricketing world. He has played 167 ODIs, scoring 3600 runs and taking 172 wickets, cementing his place as a formidable all-rounder.

He captained Afghanistan extensively, leading the side during their inaugural 50-over World Cup campaign in 2015. In 2019, he retired from Test cricket, but his passion for the game continued, leading him to lead Afghanistan in the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.

While Nabi had initially planned to retire after the 2023 World Cup, he decided to extend his career for one last hurrah at the Champions Trophy. Afghanistan secured their place in the tournament following their sixth-place finish at the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Nabi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play in the prestigious tournament. “In my mind, from the last World Cup, I was retired, but then we qualified for the Champions Trophy and I felt if I could play that, it would be great,” he stated after the third ODI against [opponent].

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed receiving Nabi’s retirement notice, and the all-rounder will continue to play T20Is for his country, with his sights set on the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Mohammad Nabi’s retirement marks the end of an era for Afghan cricket. He leaves behind a legacy of exceptional talent and unwavering dedication, inspiring generations of cricketers in Afghanistan and beyond. The Champions Trophy in Pakistan will be his final bow in ODIs, an opportunity for fans to celebrate a true icon of the game.

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