Gulbadin Naib

Gulbadin Naib, a name synonymous with Afghan cricket, has been a pivotal figure in the rise of Afghanistan on the international stage. Known for his all-round capabilities, Naib has been a crucial asset for his team, both with the bat and the ball. His journey began in the 2008 World Cricket League Division Five, where he showcased his potential against Japan. Gulbadin Naib made his ODI debut for Afghanistan against Canada in August 2011, before making his T20I debut against the Netherlands in March 2012. His standout performance came in 2019 against Ireland, where he took 6 wickets for 43 runs, marking the third-best figures by an Afghan bowler in ODIs.

Naib's leadership qualities came to the fore when he was appointed as Afghanistan's ODI captain in 2019. Although his tenure was brief, he led the team with passion and determination. His ability to inspire his teammates and lead by example has been acknowledged by many in the cricketing fraternity. Naib's performance in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup was notable, where he took 4 wickets for 20 runs against Australia, showcasing his knack for delivering in high-pressure situations.

In the IPL, Naib has played for Delhi Capitals, where he made a mark with his all-round performances. His stint in the IPL was a small one and he wasn't able to make much impact but showed glimpses of his talent. Naib's ability to adapt to different formats and conditions has been a key factor in his success. His recent performances in the International League T20, where he scored 78 runs against Desert Vipers, highlight his continued relevance in the T20 format.

Naib continued to provide Afghanistan with valuable experience and all-round depth, featuring in the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup. At the latter, he produced one of his most eye-catching T20I knocks, smashing 63 off just 35 balls against New Zealand in Chennai, underlining his ability to change the course of a game with his aggressive batting.

Alongside his international commitments, Naib maintained a strong presence in franchise cricket, turning out in competitions such as the International League T20, Nepal Premier League, Shpageeza Cricket League and Lanka Premier League. His performances in the 2026 domestic and franchise seasons further underlined his value as an experienced T20 all-rounder, with both his batting and medium-pace bowling continuing to feature in his game. His performances earned him a place in the squad for the three-match T20I series against India in September.