Afghan Fans Back Home Are Waiting For Us To Do Well in IPL: Nabi

First time in the history of IPL, two Afghan cricketers got picked in the IPL auction.

Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi celebrates a wicket during a match against Ireland in Greater Noida (Photo: AP)

Mohammad Nabi, one of the two Afghan players competing in the ongoing IPL, says the league is a chance for him to show the world that his war-torn country has got talent.

"There are lot of expectations from me and Rashid (Khan, the other selected player) to perform in IPL. They (cricket fans back home) are waiting. Hopefully, we perform well. If I get a chance, I will try my best to perform," said Nabi.

Read: Rashid, Nabi, Shahzad: The Flag Bearers of Afghanistan Cricket
Afghanistan’s Mohd Nabi & Rashid Khan Gear up for IPL Challenge

Rashid Khan during his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad, against Royal Challengers Bangalore. (Photo: BCCI)

Nabi, an all-rounder, and Rashid, a teenaged leg-spinner, were both bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the players' auction for the ongoing 10th edition of the cash-rich league.

It’s a big challenge for me and Rashid that we perform in IPL to show the world that we have talent. There is lot of enthusiasm among youth in Afghanistan for cricket though facilities are not up to the mark all over the country. India is building a cricket ground in Kandahar. MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are some of the Indian players who are popular in Afghanistan.

Mohammad Nabi

Cricket is played at different levels in Afghanistan, including school and club. Afghanistan recently defeated Ireland in both the Twenty20 and ODI series in India.