
The Inspiring Journey of Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper-batter, had a tough start in life. He grew up in Khost, where cricket was not popular. His family wanted him to focus on education, but his love for cricket was unstoppable.
His passion led him to secretly work to buy a bat, which was later broken by his brother. This struggle shaped his determination. Despite financial problems and lack of family support, Gurbaz kept pushing forward. Today, he stands as one of Afghanistan’s finest cricketers.
- Gurbaz faced financial and family struggles but remained determined.
- He started playing tape-ball cricket before moving to hard-ball cricket.
- He became Afghanistan’s top-order batsman, shining in international leagues.
Overcoming Challenges to Achieve His Dream
Gurbaz’s father, a school principal, wanted him to pursue academics. His family did not see cricket as a career. However, Gurbaz had different dreams.
To buy his cricket equipment, he worked secretly at a construction site. He earned just enough to buy gloves and a bat. When his brother found out, he destroyed the bat, thinking it was a distraction from studies.
Despite this, Gurbaz continued playing. His talent caught the attention of Afghanistan Cricket Board. At 15, he joined the Under-19 training camp in India. But he had no proper cricket kit. He had to borrow a broken bat to play matches.
Rise to International Cricket
Gurbaz’s breakthrough came in the 2018 U-19 World Cup, where Afghanistan reached the semi-finals. He played a crucial role in their success. This performance helped him secure a spot in Afghanistan’s domestic T20 league.
At 16, he debuted in the Shpageeza Cricket League, but his first two games ended in ducks. However, he did not lose hope. By his third season, he had improved his skills and was ready for international cricket.
In 2021, he became the first Afghan player to score a century on his ODI debut. His fearless batting style and ability to play innovative shots made him a key player for Afghanistan.
Success in Franchise Cricket and T20 Leagues
Playing in international leagues helped Gurbaz improve his skills. He played in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Lanka Premier League (LPL). These experiences exposed him to different playing conditions.
His IPL journey started with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Though he did not play many matches in 2023, he used the time to train and improve. When he finally got a chance, he performed well under pressure.
In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Gurbaz was the top run-scorer. His performances helped Afghanistan defeat teams like New Zealand, Australia, and Bangladesh, securing a spot in the semi-finals.
Afghanistan’s Rising Hopes for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Afghanistan’s cricket team has been improving steadily. With players like Rashid Khan, Ibrahim Zadran, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, they are now a strong team in world cricket.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 presents a golden opportunity for Afghanistan. They will compete against strong teams, including South Africa. The tournament will test their skills, but Gurbaz is confident that Afghanistan can beat any team if they play smart cricket.
Afghanistan’s Key Strengths for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
- Strong top-order batting with Gurbaz leading from the front.
- Experienced all-rounders and a world-class spin attack.
- The ability to handle pressure in major tournaments.
Cricket: A Source of Hope for Afghanistan
Cricket is more than a sport in Afghanistan; it is a symbol of hope. The country has faced political and economic hardships, but cricket gives people a reason to celebrate.
Gurbaz understands this responsibility. He works hard to bring joy to Afghan fans. He once said, “When we win matches, it feels like Eid in Afghanistan.”
Despite challenges, the Afghan team continues to rise. With young talents like Gurbaz, Afghanistan is becoming a cricket powerhouse. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 could be their chance to create history.
Gurbaz’s Dream and Afghanistan’s Future in Cricket
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s journey from a small village to international stardom is truly inspiring. His hard work, determination, and passion have made him one of Afghanistan’s best players.
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, Afghanistan has a chance to shine. If they continue their impressive performances, they could become one of the strongest teams in world cricket.
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