Najibullah Zadran, born on February 28, 1993, is a prominent figure in Afghan cricket, serving as the vice-captain of Afghanistan's Twenty20 International (T20I) team. Known for his dynamic left-handed batting and right-arm off-break bowling, Zadran has been a key asset for Afghanistan since making his international debut in July 2012.
One of Zadran's significant contributions to cricket has been his impressive T20 franchise career. His journey began when he was chosen to represent the Montreal Tigers in the inaugural edition of the Global T20 Canada tournament in June 2018. Subsequently, he participated in various T20 leagues, including the Afghanistan Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League, and the Caribbean Premier League, where he played for the St Lucia Zouks in 2020. His ability to adapt to different conditions and excel in various T20 competitions underscores his versatility as a cricketer.
In April 2021, Zadran's T20 prowess earned him a contract with the Karachi Kings for the rescheduled matches of the 2021 Pakistan Super League. His consistent performances in T20 leagues worldwide demonstrate his reliability and adaptability in the shortest format of the game.
Zadran's cricketing journey is not confined to T20 leagues; it extends to international cricket, where he has made significant contributions to Afghanistan's success. He represented Afghanistan Under-19s in the 2011 Under-19 World Cup Qualifier in Ireland, showcasing his talent on the global stage from a young age. In the domestic scene, he made his Twenty20 debut for the Afghan Cheetahs in the Faysal Bank Twenty-20 Cup. His notable performance included a half-century and his maiden wicket in the same match against Rawalpindi Rams.
On the international stage, Zadran has continued to make his mark. He was appointed captain of Afghanistan's under-23 team for the 2018 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup in December 2018, demonstrating his leadership qualities and commitment to developing Afghan cricket. In March 2019, during the third ODI against Ireland, Zadran achieved a milestone by scoring his maiden ODI century, further establishing himself as a key player for Afghanistan.
In recognition of his consistent performances, Zadran was named in Afghanistan's 15-man squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. His selection for major tournaments highlights his significance in Afghanistan's cricketing landscape. Moreover, his appointment as the vice-captain of the T20I team in July 2021 underscores his leadership potential and crucial role in shaping Afghanistan's cricketing future.
Zadran's journey in cricket has been characterized by adaptability, versatility, and excellence across different formats and competitions. As Afghanistan continues to make strides in international cricket, Najibullah Zadran remains a pivotal figure in their quest for success. His ability to perform under pressure and contribute significantly with bat and ball makes him a formidable asset for Afghan cricket.