Mohammad Nabi becomes oldest Afghanistan player to play Champions Trophy

Nabi ranks fourth overall on the list of oldest debutants in the Champions Trophy

Friday, February 21, will be a day etched in the history of Afghanistan cricket, as this marks their debut in the ICC Champions Trophy. Moreover, their most experienced all-rounder, Mohammad Nabi, also became the oldest Afghanistan player to debut in the Champions Trophy. Nabi is 40 years old at the time of his Champions Trophy debut. Gulbadin Naib (33 years old) is the second-oldest Afghanistan player to make his debut in the tournament. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Noor Ahmed is the youngest Afghanistan player to debut in the Champions Trophy.

 

Nabi joins elite list of 40-plus Champions Trophy debutants 

At 40 years and 51 days, Nabi joins an elite group of players who made their Champions Trophy debut at the age of 40 or beyond. While he is the oldest Afghan to play in the tournament, he ranks behind several USA cricketers from the 2004 edition.

 

 

List of players aged 40-plus on their Champions Trophy debut:

 

Age	Player	Team	Opponent	Venue	Year
42y 284d	Donovan Blake	USA	Australia	Southampton	2004
42y 154d	Tony Reid	USA	New Zealand	The Oval	2004
40y 318d	Mark Johnson	USA	New Zealand	The Oval	2004
40y 51d	Mohammad Nabi	AFG	South Africa	Karachi	2025
40y 25d	Howard Johnson	USA	New Zealand	The Oval	2004

 

 

A legacy of experience and leadership 

Mohammad Nabi has been a pillar of Afghanistan cricket for over a decade, contributing significantly as an all-rounder with both bat and ball. He has played a key role in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket and continues to bring experience and leadership to the squad.

 

His inclusion in the Champions Trophy 2025 further solidifies his reputation as one of Afghanistan’s most dependable and experienced players. As Afghanistan competes against top cricketing nations, Nabi’s presence will be crucial in guiding the younger players.