Afghanistan cricket legend Mohammad Nabi and his son, Hasan Isa Khel, made history by playing together in the same team for the first time in a professional league. The father-son duo represented Noakhali Express in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), becoming the first pair to achieve this milestone.
In their debut match against Dhaka Capitals in Sylhet, Hasan Isa Khil scored a brilliant 92 runs. Before the match, Mohammad Nabi handed his son the team cap, marking the beginning of a historic moment.
Noakhali Express had faced criticism for poor performance in the first six matches of the season, leading to multiple team changes, including the inclusion of Hasan Isa Khil. He made an immediate impact with his aggressive batting, hitting seven fours and five sixes in 60 balls.
Hasan opened the innings with Sumia Sarkar, forming a 101-run partnership. Later, he and his father shared a crucial 53-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Cricket fans noted that Hasan’s batting technique showed clear influence from his father, especially in his calm stance and skillful drives and cuts.
During the 14th over, Mohammad Nabi and Hasan Isa Khil were on the crease together. Dhaka Capitals’ wicketkeeper and Nabi’s longtime teammate Rahmanullah Gurbaz embraced the duo upon seeing them bat together. Mohammad Nabi actively encouraged his son throughout their partnership, although Hasan dominated the scoring.
Mohammad Nabi scored 17 runs off 13 balls before being dismissed by Abdullah Al Mamun, while Hasan Isa Khil was out in the following over, caught off Mohammad Saifuddin’s bowling.
The pair had previously played against each other in competitive matches, with a video of Hasan hitting a six off his father going viral last year. After this remarkable performance, Hasan is expected to feature alongside his father in upcoming matches, further advancing this unique father-son cricketing legacy.
Speaking after the match, Mohammad Nabi expressed his joy, saying he had long awaited the chance to bat alongside his son. He praised Hasan’s ability to read the game and adapt to different bowling styles. Hasan also expressed his excitement, describing playing with his father in the national team as a dream he has been working hard to achieve.
Hasan emphasized that his batting style is not an imitation of his father, to which Mohammad Nabi responded with a smile: “It’s all natural—it’s in the genes.”