Early Life and Personal Background
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Hashmatullah Shahidi, an exceptional cricketer, was born on November 4, 1994, in Logar, Afghanistan. His early life was influenced deeply by his father, who introduced him to cricket. By the age of nine, Shahidi had already started playing in local tournaments. His talent and dedication led his father to enroll him in a cricket academy in Kabul, where his professional training began.
Shahidi’s family has been an integral part of his journey. He is married and has a daughter, born in November 2020. Unfortunately, Shahidi faced significant personal losses, with his father passing away in 2018 and his mother in April 2023. Despite these challenges, his resilience and commitment to cricket remained unwavering.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Standing at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and weighing approximately 70 kg (154 lbs), Hashmatullah Shahidi combines physical fitness with exceptional cricketing skills. His batting style is left-handed, and he occasionally bowls right-arm off-break. Shahidi’s favorite shot is the elegant cover drive, which has thrilled fans worldwide.
Domestic and International Cricket Career
Early Beginnings and Domestic Teams
Shahidi’s journey in cricket began with the Afghanistan Under-17 team in 2008. By 2009, he was part of the Under-19 team and played in the 2010 Under-19 World Cup. His domestic career includes appearances for notable teams such as:
- Band-e-Amir Dragons
- Speen Ghar Region
- Maiwand Defenders
- Kabul Eagles
- Boost Defenders
In the 2021 Kamal Khan Dam Trophy, Shahidi scored his first T20 century, an impressive 102 runs off 52 balls.
International Debut and Records
Hashmatullah Shahidi made his international debut in:
- T20: September 30, 2013, against Kenya
- ODI: October 2, 2013, against Kenya
- Test: June 14, 2018, against India
He became the first Afghan player to score a double century in Test cricket, achieving this milestone against Zimbabwe in March 2021. His partnership of 184 runs with Rahmat Shah against Ireland in an ODI remains a record for Afghanistan’s third wicket.
Leadership and Captaincy
In June 2021, Shahidi was appointed as the captain of Afghanistan’s Test and ODI teams. He led the national team in major tournaments such as the 2022 and 2023 Asia Cup and the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. His leadership reflects his dedication and ability to inspire teammates on and off the field.
Significant Achievements
- 2019 ODI World Cup: Scored 197 runs in 8 matches, including a remarkable 76 against England.
- Selected for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, reaffirming his status as one of Afghanistan’s premier players.
- Brand ambassador for Etisalat, a leading telecommunications company in Afghanistan.
Off-the-Field Contributions
Shahidi’s influence extends beyond cricket. He is a wildlife lover and frequently visits animal parks. His humanitarian efforts include donating food to victims of terrorist attacks and participating in various social campaigns. These contributions showcase his commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Challenges and Resilience
During the 2019 ODI World Cup, Shahidi faced a life-threatening moment when hit by a bouncer from England’s Mark Wood. Despite a cracked helmet and the team doctor’s advice to retire hurt, Shahidi continued batting. His determination to stay on the field was fueled by the presence of his family, including his mother, watching the match.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Hashmatullah Shahidi remains a pivotal figure in Afghanistan cricket. His consistent performances, leadership skills, and dedication to the sport make him an inspiration for aspiring cricketers. With his selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Shahidi’s journey is far from over. Fans eagerly await more milestones in his illustrious career.
Career Highlights
International Cricket Stats
- ODI Debut: October 2, 2013, vs. Kenya
- Test Debut: June 14, 2018, vs. India
- T20 Debut: September 30, 2013, vs. Kenya
Domestic Achievements
- First T20 Century: Scored 102 off 52 balls in the 2021 Kamal Khan Dam Trophy.
- Played for prestigious domestic teams such as the Band-e-Amir Dragons, Kabul Eagles, and Nangarhar Leopards.
Fun Facts and Favorites
- Favorite cricketer: Kumar Sangakkara
- Favorite captain: MS Dhoni
- Favorite food: Afghani rice and fish
- Favorite cricket ground: Lord’s, London
Hashmatullah Shahidi’s story is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the power of dreams. His journey continues to inspire millions around the world.
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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
