Sport
Nabi says no plans to retire, hopes to play in next T20 World Cup
Afghanistan cricket legend Mohammad Nabi says he has no plans to retire and hopes to be selected for the next T20 World Cup in 2026, despite being 39 years old.
Nabi is currently ranked as Number 1 all rounder in ODIs by the ICC and 6th in T20 all rounder rankings.
He played a major role in Afghanistan’s rise to the top level of international cricket, playing in both the country’s first One Day International in April 2009 and their first Test match in June 2018.
He was also part of Afghanistan’s first T20I team which played against Ireland on 1 February 2010.
Currently leading Dambulla Sixers in the Lanka Premier League, Nabi told the media in Colombo on Friday he was determined to carry on his national duties for at least two more years if selected.
Asked how long he hoped to continue, he said: “For how long I want to continue my cricket? Still, my body is working and I am running fast. I am fielding in the boundary, taking catches well and doing bowling well. Still, I am doing well and I am trying to keep myself (fit) for as long as possible.”
“Afghanistan team needs me as well at this stage but still maybe the Champions Trophy will be my last Champions Trophy in 50-over [format] and after that maybe one year and that’s it,” he said adding that he is keen to end his career with the next edition of ICC T20 World Cup.
“Hope so (about playing in the next T20 World Cup). If I am selected I will have to play,” he said.
Nabi added that he is well aware that he is growing old and as a result, he tries to keep fit by maintaining a strict diet.
“I am not young as a forty-year-old man. Still, I try my best to train hard and do my recovery as quickly as possible and it all depends on your food and how you eat. How you eat clean and good food as it makes you more fit,” he said.
Nabi went on to say that franchise leagues have helped Afghanistan to be the team it is today. According to him, many national players play for leagues around the world.
“It gives us a lot of experience and also brings that experience in the national team and we share it with the youngsters,” he said.
“Afghanistan’s T20 performance [in the World Cup 2024] was really good. We beat big teams in the tournament. Yeah, first time in semi-final and in the tough four and that was a great achievement in my cricket life and hopefully more to come. As a team we played and performed in the World Cup and everyone contributed a lot in this World Cup,” he said.
Sport
13 climbers successfully ascend Janwar Koh in Balkh
Thirteen members of the “Nawshakh Unity” mountaineering team, in coordination with the National Olympic Committee, the Department of Physical Education, and the Balkh Mountaineering Federation, successfully reached the summit of Janwar Koh, a peak standing approximately 1,800 meters high in Marmol district.
Officials from the Balkh Mountaineering Federation said the expedition aimed to improve athletes’ technical climbing skills, build team spirit, and promote the development of mountaineering as a sport in the province.
Sport
Gill stars as Gujarat Titans enter IPL top four; Kolkata’s winless run continues
All IPL matches are being broadcast live and exclusively on Ariana Television Network across Afghanistan.
Indian Premier League action delivered another dramatic finish as the Gujarat Titans surged into the top four with a composed five-wicket victory over the struggling Kolkata Knight Riders.
Captain Shubman Gill led from the front with a commanding 86 off 50 balls, anchoring Gujarat’s chase of 181 and guiding his side home with two balls to spare at 181-5. The win marks Gujarat’s third consecutive triumph and underlines their growing momentum in the tournament.
Kolkata, meanwhile, remain without a win this season, having lost five matches while one fixture was abandoned due to rain. Despite a much-needed return to form from Cameron Green, their campaign continues to falter.
Green struck 79 off 55 deliveries in a lone battle, but lacked consistent support as Kolkata were bowled out for 180 on the final ball. Early damage from Kagiso Rabada (3-29) left them reeling at 32-3 in the powerplay, putting pressure on the middle order once again.
After winning the toss, Kolkata skipper Ajinkya Rahane opted for an aggressive approach, but his plan quickly unraveled when he fell first ball to Mohammed Siraj. Though partnerships involving Rovman Powell (27) and Anukul Roy helped rebuild, a late collapse saw five wickets fall for just 26 runs in the death overs.
Gujarat’s chase began explosively, with Gill and Sai Sudharsan (22) putting on 57 runs inside five overs. Jos Buttler added a brisk 25, maintaining the required rate with attacking stroke play.
Gill reached his half-century in just 27 balls, showcasing control against both pace and spin. Though he fell late in the innings, slicing Vaibhav Arora to Green, the foundation he set proved decisive.
Saturday’s matches
Attention now shifts to Saturday’s matches, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Delhi Capitals, while Sunrisers Hyderabad face Chennai Super Kings. Both fixtures are expected to have significant implications for the standings as teams push for early dominance in the competition.
All IPL matches are being broadcast live and exclusively on Ariana Television Network across Afghanistan.
Sport
SRH dominate Royals as Kishan shines in IPL clash
Sunrisers Hyderabad produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Rajasthan Royals by 57 runs in their Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter on April 13.
After posting an imposing total of 216/6, Hyderabad’s bowlers backed up the effort with a clinical display, dismissing Rajasthan for 159 in 19 overs.
The standout performer was Ishan Kishan, who was named Player of the Match for his explosive 91 off 44 balls, anchoring SRH’s innings and setting up the victory. On the bowling side, Sakib Hussain and Praful Hinge delivered decisive spells, each claiming four wickets to dismantle the Royals’ batting line-up.
Despite a fighting 69 from Donovan Ferreira, Rajasthan struggled to keep pace with the required run rate and ultimately fell well short.
CSK vs KKR – Action Continues Today
Attention now turns to today’s IPL fixture as Chennai Super Kings take on Kolkata Knight Riders in what promises to be a high-stakes clash.
Chennai will look to capitalize on their experienced core, while Kolkata aim to continue their strong campaign with an aggressive batting approach and versatile bowling attack.
Fans in Afghanistan can watch the match live and exclusively on Ariana Television, which continues to bring IPL 2026 coverage to viewers across the country.
With both teams pushing for crucial points in the standings, another thrilling contest is expected.
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