Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a 23-year-old Afghanistani cricketer, has emerged as a beacon of hope for Afghanistan’s cricketing community. Born on 28 November 2001 in Gurbuz, Khost Province, Afghanistan, he has made significant contributions to international and domestic cricket. Known for his aggressive batting and wicket-keeping skills, Gurbaz became the first Afghan cricketer to score an ODI century on debut, solidifying his place in cricket history.
Early Life and Struggles
Rahmanullah’s journey began in a modest household. His father, a retired high school principal, and his homemaker mother valued education, often prioritizing studies over sports. Despite this, Rahmanullah’s passion for cricket was fueled by witnessing the adoration for Afghan cricket stars Nawroz Mangal and Noor Ali Zadran. Inspired by this, he began playing tennis-ball cricket in his neighborhood.
With limited financial resources, Rahmanullah worked as a daily laborer to purchase his first cricket kit. His elder brother, Saadat, and cousin, Dawlat, also made sacrifices to support his budding cricket career. These early hardships shaped Rahmanullah’s determination and work ethic.
Domestic Cricket Career
Rahmanullah Gurbaz began his professional career with the Mohammad Khan Zadran Club in 2014. His performances in domestic leagues like the Shpageeza Cricket League and the Ahmad Shah Abdali 4-day Tournament showcased his potential. He played for several teams, including:
- Khost Province Under-17
- Afghanistan Under-19
- Kandy Tuskers
- Gujarat Titans (IPL)
In the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, Gurbaz was a standout performer, leading his team in runs during the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup with 117 runs in 4 matches.
International Debut and Record-Breaking Feats
Rahmanullah made his T20I debut on 14 September 2019 against Zimbabwe and scored a half-century in his third match. He debuted in ODIs on 21 January 2021 against Ireland, where he scored 127 runs off 127 balls. This remarkable feat made him the first Afghanistani cricketer to score an ODI century on debut.
In subsequent matches, Rahmanullah demonstrated his consistency, scoring centuries against teams like Bangladesh and the Netherlands.
T20 Leagues Across the Globe
Rahmanullah’s talent earned him spots in premier T20 leagues worldwide. He played for franchises such as:
- Multan Sultans (PSL)
- Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL)
- Barbados Tridents (CPL)
Notable performances included a half-century off 19 balls in the Bangladesh Premier League and a 53-run knock off 22 balls on his Lanka Premier League debut. In the 2023 IPL, he scored 81 runs off 39 balls, setting a record for the highest IPL score by an Afghan cricketer.
Achievements in ICC Tournaments
Rahmanullah represented Afghanistan in the 2021 and 2022 T20I World Cups, showcasing his aggressive batting style. In the 2022 World Cup, he scored 68 runs in three matches with a strike rate of 136. His contributions in ICC events have been pivotal in strengthening Afghanistan’s cricketing stature.
Personal Life and Interests
Off the field, Rahmanullah is a humble individual with varied interests. He is a fan of AB de Villiers, often studying his batting techniques. In his leisure time, he enjoys reading motivational books like “Speak to Win” by Brian Tracy, reflecting his commitment to personal growth.
Rahmanullah is unmarried and shares a close bond with his family. His journey from a small village in Khost to the international cricket stage is a testament to his resilience and dedication.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Selected for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Rahmanullah continues to inspire young cricketers. His story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of perseverance and talent. As he dons the Afghan jersey in upcoming tournaments, cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await his exploits.
Quick Facts About Rahmanullah Gurbaz
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
| Date of Birth | 28 November 2001 |
| Height | 5′ 8″ |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| T20I Debut | 14 September 2019 |
| ODI Debut | 21 January 2021 |
| Achievements | First Afghan cricketer to score an ODI century on debut |
Check out the Champions Trophy Schedule, Champions Trophy Live Score, Champions Trophy Squads , Champions Trophy Stats Champions Trophy Tour, Champions Trophy Venues & Champions Trophy Latest News here!
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
