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Veteran Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi recently opened up on his possible retirement talks. Nabi, who is currently leading the Dambulla Sixers in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024, however, clarified that he is not looking to hang up his boots and hopes to play the next edition of the T20 World Cup, which is set to be played in 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
Speaking on the sidelines of LPL 2024, Nabi said that he will bid adieu to international cricket following the 2026 T20 World Cup. When asked for how long he wants to continue his cricket, Nabi replied, "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.”
"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," he added as quoted by Cricbuzz. "Hope so (about playing in the next T20 World Cup). If I am selected I will have to play," he concluded.
It all depends on your food and how you eat: Nabi opens up on his fitness at 40
Veteran Afghanistan all-rounder, Mohammad Nabi further spoke of his fitness despite being 40 years old. Often regarded as one of the strong pillars of Afghanistan cricket, Nabi said, "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.”
"It gives us a lot of experience and also brings that experience to the national team and we share it with the youngsters. Afghanistan's T20 performance (in the World Cup) was really good. We beat big teams in the tournament,” he concluded.
The Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan recently made to their first-ever semifinal of an ICC tournament as they beat the likes of Australia in the Super 8s at the T20 World Cup 2024. However, their campaign ended after a nine-wicket loss in the semifinal against South Africa at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad.
