KABUL, August 12, 2025 – Fresh from international duties in the West Indies, Afghanistan’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz returned home to lead Mis-e-Ainak in the 2025 Shpageeza Cricket League, steering his side all the way to the final. In his last match against Amo Sharks, Gurbaz blazed 48 runs off just 21 balls, reaffirming his status as one of Afghanistan’s most dangerous top order strikers.
Internationally, Gurbaz has already built an impressive record. In One Day Internationals, he boasts 200 runs in a single series along with 10 wicketkeeping dismissals, a rare double that underlines both his batting firepower and sharp glovework. He ranks 9th on the all-time list of youngest players to score an ODI century, and is among the select few to have scored a hundred on ODI debut.
In this exclusive conversation with sports journalist and ASJF Member, Sayed Wazir Aand, Gurbaz reflects on his cricketing journey from 2019 to 2025, the unique pride of playing for Afghanistan, the differences between national duty and league cricket, and his ambitions both on and off the field, including plans for a charitable foundation and a modern hospital in his home province of Khost.
Sayed Wazir Aand: You’ve just returned from the West Indies and came straight to Kabul Cricket Stadium to lead Mis-e-Ainak in the Shpageeza Cricket League, taking the team all the way to the final. You shared your experience with young players, motivated them, and connected with your supporters. What was your plan in returning to Afghanistan?
Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Of course, home is always dear to me. Whatever I have learned on the international stage, I always make an effort to share it with our young cricketers. The Shpageeza League is one of Afghanistan’s most important tournaments, and you saw how well the youngsters performed, players like Khalid Taniwal, Zia Sharifi, Wafy Taraqhil, Noor-ur-Rahman, Abdullah Ahmadzai, and many others.
Aand: When the national team schedule wasn’t too busy, you still had a packed cricket calendar with major franchise leagues around the world. Looking back, how successful has this year been for your career?
Gurbaz: Since 2019, things have been improving for me year by year, and I can say that 2025 has been full of big achievements, both for me personally and for Afghanistan cricket.
Aand: The Asia Cup is just around the corner. As a proper batter, how do you see your recent hard work paying off?
Gurbaz: I’ve been training and playing very hard, and I’m hopeful that this effort will bring smiles to the faces of our people. I truly believe that I can bring pride to our nation, both in the upcoming tri-series against Pakistan and the UAE, and in the Asia Cup itself.
Aand: If you were given the chance to captain the national team, in which format would your leadership be most effective, and why?
Gurbaz: So far, Rashid Khan has done a great job leading Afghanistan in T20 cricket. If the need ever arises, I’d be ready to take the responsibility in the T20 format.
Aand: How different is it to play in franchise leagues compared to representing your country?
Gurbaz: They are different experiences. When you play for your country, you feel the full weight of responsibility because cricket victories are one of the few major joys for our people, and if we lose, it deeply affects them. In leagues, there’s still pressure, but it’s not the same as playing for the national flag.
Aand: Which league do you enjoy the most?
Gurbaz: The Indian Premier League (IPL). It’s a world class competition in every way, very rich in quality, with a huge fan base.
Aand: In your favourite league, your franchise often posts updates about you in Pashto. Does that feel special?
Gurbaz: Absolutely. In every league I’ve played, my team now posts a lot in Pashto. It’s a matter of pride that our mother tongue is being used on such big platforms, showing the world the life and achievements of Pashtuns.
Aand: On social media, you often appear light hearted and humorous. Is that your personality in everyday life as well?
Gurbaz: Life is short, and it should be lived in a positive way. With kids, I’m like a kid; with young people, I’m like a youth; and with elders, I interact with respect in their way. If I’m in this position today and I don’t show love to people, tomorrow they might not care about me. I believe everyone should live with kindness and joy.
Aand: Many Afghan national players have invested in cricket academies or other ventures. Do you have similar plans?
Gurbaz: Yes, I already have several businesses, though I haven’t publicised them. Beyond business, my big goal is to set up a charitable foundation soon, to help poor Afghans, because Afghanistan is a country affected by poverty, and our people need support. I also plan to establish a modern hospital in Khost so that Afghans won’t have to go abroad for treatment.
Aand: Thank you, Gurbaz for your time and speaking with us.
Gurbaz: Thank you.
Interviewer: Sayed Wazir Aand
Translated and Edited By Sayer Zaland