In the world of cricket, a new force has emerged from Afghanistan—a young talent whose skills are making waves on the global stage. Ibrahim Zadran, born on December 12, 2001, has swiftly ascended to the top ranks of international cricket. With his exceptional performances, Zadran has not only become a vital player for the Afghanistan national team but has also earned the trust of his teammates and coaches, making him the vice-captain of the Afghanistan T20I cricket team.
A Journey That Began in Domestic Cricket
Zadran’s journey began in Afghanistan’s domestic cricket scene, where he first made his mark. On August 11, 2017, he debuted in List A cricket for Mis Ainak Region during the Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One Day Tournament. Just a month later, he showcased his skills in the T20 format, debuting for the Mis Ainak Knights during the 2017 Shpageeza Cricket League.
His impressive performances earned him a spot in the Nangarhar squad for the Afghanistan Premier League in 2018. Ibrahim’s rise didn’t stop there. In 2021, he played for Boyne Hill in Berkshire, where he made an indelible impact, scoring 479 runs in 15 matches as an opener. These early stints in domestic cricket honed his skills and prepared him for the bigger stages of international cricket.
International Debut and Early Achievements
Zadran’s talent was undeniable, and in December 2017, he was named to Afghanistan’s squad for the Under-19 Cricket World Cup. He didn’t just participate; he led from the front, finishing as the top run-scorer for Afghanistan with 186 runs in the tournament. His solid performances caught the eye of selectors, earning him a spot in Afghanistan’s senior squad soon after.
His Test debut came in September 2019 against Bangladesh, where he showcased his resilience, proving his readiness for the highest level of the game. Later that year, Zadran made his ODI and T20I debuts against the West Indies, cementing his place as a key player in Afghanistan’s lineup. But this was just the beginning of his rise on the world cricket stage.
A Star in the Making
Zadran’s career truly took off in 2022. In June of that year, he made his first ODI century, scoring an unbeaten 120 runs against Zimbabwe. But it was in November 2022 when he truly broke out as one of the brightest young stars in world cricket. During an ODI series against Sri Lanka, he scored his second century (106 runs), followed by a remarkable 162 runs in the third match—setting the record for the highest score by an Afghan player in an ODI. With a total of 278 runs at an average of 92.66 in the series, Zadran was awarded Player of the Series.
His heroics continued into 2023, where he scored 98 runs against Sri Lanka, and consistently delivered impressive performances in international cricket. His consistency and flair in the limited-overs formats became one of Afghanistan’s biggest assets.
World Cup Glory
In October 2023, Zadran achieved a significant milestone in his career by making his World Cup debut against Bangladesh. Though Afghanistan lost the match, Zadran’s contribution of 22 runs off 24 balls was a solid start. But it was his match-winning knock against Pakistan, where he scored 87 runs off 113 balls, that truly showcased his ability to perform under pressure. He was named Player of the Match, and he dedicated his achievement to the Afghan refugees.
The defining moment of his career came during the 2023 World Cup match against Australia. Zadran scored an astonishing 129* runs from 147 balls, marking Afghanistan’s first-ever century in a World Cup game. This historic achievement became one of the highlights of the tournament, cementing Zadran’s position as one of the brightest stars in world cricket.
Record-Breaking Feats and Recognition
Zadran’s meteoric rise didn’t slow down. In February 2025, during the ICC Champions Trophy, Zadran produced one of the greatest individual performances in the history of the tournament. He scored a breathtaking 177 runs off 146 balls against England, breaking the record for the highest-ever individual score in the tournament, surpassing Ben Duckett’s previous record of 165 runs. Zadran’s incredible knock displayed not just his batting prowess, but his ability to dominate some of the world’s best bowlers.
A Bright Future Ahead
At just 23 years old, Ibrahim Zadran’s journey is far from over. With his consistent performances, ability to adapt to various formats, and his leadership potential as vice-captain, Zadran is undoubtedly one of the future stars of international cricket. Whether it’s his calm under pressure, his spectacular centuries, or his ability to inspire his teammates, Zadran’s impact on Afghan cricket is undeniable.
As he continues to break records and push boundaries, the world will be watching closely. Ibrahim Zadran is not just a rising star—he’s the future of Afghan cricket. With his dedication, passion, and immense talent, there’s no limit to what he can achieve in the coming years. Afghanistan, and indeed the world of cricket, is in for something extraordinary.
