Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) feel that age is just a number for veteran Mohammad Nabi, as he decided to take a U-turn from his ODI retirement plan.
ACB had earlier confirmed to Cricbuzz that Nabi wished to retirefrom the 50-over format of the game after the Champions Trophy which commences tomorrow.
However, Nabi recently told ICC that he would like to continue playing even after the Champions Trophy with the desire of representing Afghanistan along with his 18-year-old son Hassan Eisakhil. Nabi's son, Eisakhil, represented Afghanistan at the Under-19 World Cup in 2024 as an opener but managed to score only 43 runs in four matches.
"These might not be my last ODIs (the Champions Trophy) and I will probably play less ODIs and give chances to the youngsters to build experience. 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 was quoted on ICC.
"It's my dream (to play together for the country) and hopefully we can do it. He is doing very well, he is a hard worker and I'm also pushing him to work," he said.
"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," he said.
Nabi represented Afghanistan in their first ODI and made his mark by scoring a half-century on his debut against Scotland in 2009.
"Mohammad Nabi is a living legend in Afghan cricket. From the early days when cricket was almost nonexistent in Afghanistan to now, with the team among the top eight in the world, no one has contributed more to the sport's growth than he has," said Naseeb.
"Whether he decides to retire or continue playing is entirely his choice. However, when you look at his exceptional performance in all departments fielding, batting, and bowling along with his remarkable fitness, it's clear that age truly is just a number," he added.
Afghanistan will start their Champions Trophy campaign against South Africa in Karachi on February 21, and later will travel to Lahore to play England and Australia respectively on February 26 and 28.
