Wish to see more Afghanistan cricketers in the IPL: Mohammad Nabi

One of the two cricketers from Afghanistan to be picked up by the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mohammad Nabi wants more cricketers from his country to be included into the cash-rich league which would provide ample opportunities to the youngsters from Afghanistan.

The 32-year-old cited that cricket is the numero Uno sport in the country plagued by war and terrorism and the sport will help unify the country while bringing about peace, harmony and tranquillity in the country. He further mentioned that there is a large pool of talent back home who are willing to take up the sport professionally.

“A lot of youngsters are taking up the game in a big way. There is plenty of talent and this is a good augury for the sport and for the country too” said the former captain of Afganistan. Nabi also revealed that the facilities and the conditions back home are far better than what it used to be back in the days when he started playing the sport.”

“Conditions were very difficult when we started playing the game. But, they are a lot better. There are very good facilities in some centres like Kabul, Kandahar, Jalalabad. The future really looks bright” quoting the Aghan all-rounder.

Nabi further augmented by saying that the country is all set to receive Test status and take on the rigours of the ultimate form of the game especially after their exploits aginst Zimbabwe, both home and away.

“Afghanistan is ready for Test cricket especially after beating Zimbabwe at home and away. You can’t do that unless you play quality cricket” said Nabi as per the quotes on Sportstarlive.

The all-rounder also described his excitement after being picked up by the Hyderabad franchise owners as he was sceptical of his inclusion after many players remained unsold in the auction before him.

Quoting Nabi, “Yes, it is a fact that when my name came up for auction in the IPL, I was nervous as some of the big names went unsold by then. But once myself and Rashid (Khan) were picked by SRH, we were naturally delighted. It is a dream to play in IPL”

Later on, he went to confess that even though he and Rashid are the only players representing the Afghan contingent in the IPL, they do not feel the pressure of bringing laurels to the cricket-mad country .”We don’t feel the pressure of being the only Afghan cricketers in action this IPL. Yes, good performances by us can also help the sport in a big way. I wish many more cricketers from my country will be playing in the next IPL editions”, he concluded.