Mohammad Nabi opens up about his time for international retirement

• Mohammad Nabi not considering retirement yet.
• Aims to play in 2026 T20 World Cup.
• May retire from ODIs after Champions Trophy.

Mohammad Nabi, the experienced all-rounder from Afghanistan, has clarified that he is not considering retirement from international cricket just yet.

He has set his sights on playing for Afghanistan in the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.

Since his 2009 debut, Nabi has been a key figure for Afghanistan, participating in 3 Tests, 161 ODIs, and 128 T20Is, accumulating over 5,000 runs and taking 250 wickets.

Nabi intends to continue his cricket career as long as he’s fit and performing well. He feels he’s still in prime condition, with his speed, fielding, and bowling all up to par.

“For how long do I want to continue my cricket? Still, my body is working and I am running fast. I am fielding in the boundary taking catches well and doing bowling well. Still, I am doing well and I am trying to keep myself (fit) for as long as possible,” Nabi said.

At 39, Nabi will make a decision about his One Day International (ODI) career after the Champions Trophy, with an eye on retiring from international cricket after the next T20 World Cup, assuming he’s chosen.

“Afghanistan team needs me as well at this stage but still may be Champions Trophy will be my last Champions Trophy in 50-over (format) and after that maybe one year and that’s it. Hope so (about playing in the next T20 World Cup). If I am selected, I will have to play,” Nabi added.

Aware of the challenges of ageing, Nabi is committed to staying fit through hard training and a proper diet, acknowledging the importance of nutrition and recovery.

“I am not young as I am 40 years old man. Still, I try my best to train hard and do my recovery as quickly as possible and it all depends on your food and how you eat. How you eat clean and good food as it makes you more fit,” he concluded.

Last month, Afghanistan reached the semi-finals for the first time in the T20 World Cup 2024 held in the West Indies and USA. Under Rashid Khan’s captaincy, they overcame formidable teams like New Zealand and Australia but were defeated by South Africa in the semi-finals.

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