Afghanistan’s white-ball cricket star Gulbadin Naib has opened up about what he considers to be the fiercest rivalry in international cricket.
Naib, who is currently representing Dubai Capitals in the 2025 DP World ILT20 season, is experiencing a surge in confidence following his pivotal role in his team's playoff qualification.
On February 2, Naib delivered a match-winning 25-ball 47 and claimed a crucial wicket in their victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, ensuring his team’s place in the next stage of the tournament.
Reflecting on his journey, Naib praised the DP World ILT20 as a vital platform for Afghan cricketers to showcase their talents on the global stage. "It's an excellent opportunity for Afghan cricketers to step up and prove themselves among the best," Naib said. His standout performance in the match underlined his importance to the team and further cemented his role as one of Afghanistan's premier all-rounders.
The 33-year-old also shared his admiration for the opportunity to play alongside cricketing legend David Warner. "Sharing a dressing room with someone like David Warner has been a fantastic learning experience. His wealth of knowledge and approach to the game is invaluable," Naib added.
When the conversation turned to rivalries in international cricket, Naib made a bold statement, declaring Afghanistan's rivalry with Pakistan to be the most intense.
He highlighted the fervor surrounding these encounters, stating that the passion among fans is unparalleled. "The rivalry with Pakistan is much more intense than India-Afghanistan. Whenever we face Pakistan, the atmosphere is electric, whether in India, Pakistan, or Dubai. It’s a clash that brings out the best in both teams," Naib said.
With the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon, Afghanistan finds itself grouped alongside heavyweights Australia, South Africa, and England. Naib acknowledged the challenging nature of the tournament but expressed confidence in his team’s abilities. "It’s going to be a tough competition with all eight teams being strong, having qualified through the ODI World Cup. But we are confident in our abilities and will go into the tournament with a positive mindset," he stated.
As Afghanistan continues to grow as a cricketing force, Naib's insights into the significance of competing against top teams and the importance of rivalries only highlight the increasing intensity and potential of Afghanistan’s cricket scene.
