Rahmanullah Gurbaz is one of Afghanistan’s most exciting cricketing talents. His journey to success, however, was anything but easy. From a small village in Khost, he fought against all odds to reach the international stage. His childhood was filled with financial struggles and a lack of family support for his cricketing dreams. But his passion never wavered. He secretly worked to buy his first cricket bat, only to see it broken by his brother.
Today, he has become one of the most aggressive openers in world cricket. His powerful batting performances in the IPL and global T20 leagues have earned him recognition. But beyond the sixes and centuries lies a story of resilience, sacrifice, and determination. This is the emotional journey of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a cricketer who refused to give up on his dreams.
1. A Brother’s Tough Love That Led to Greatness
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s journey began with an unforgettable childhood incident. As a young boy, he skipped household duties to play cricket. His brother, angry at his disobedience, broke his bat in frustration. It was not just a bat; it was a symbol of Gurbaz’s dream. At that moment, he felt devastated, but his spirit remained unbroken.
His brother was not cruel—he only wanted the best for Gurbaz. He believed that education was the key to success, not cricket. He feared that Gurbaz would waste his life chasing an unrealistic dream. But dreams have a way of defying logic. Despite his brother’s disapproval, Gurbaz continued playing.
Over time, his talent became undeniable. His brother, once his biggest critic, became his strongest supporter. He realized that cricket was not just a hobby for Gurbaz—it was his destiny. Years later, as Gurbaz hit sixes in international matches, his brother cheered for him. The same hands that once broke his bat now clapped for his success.
This story is a testament to how tough love can sometimes shape greatness. Without his brother’s resistance, Gurbaz might not have fought as hard. Today, their relationship is stronger than ever, bonded by the journey of sacrifice and success.
2. Secret Work, Secret Dreams: The Price of Passion
Gurbaz was determined to chase his dream, even if it meant hiding it. His father, a school principal, wanted him to focus on studies. He envisioned his son as a doctor or engineer, not a cricketer. But Gurbaz had different dreams—dreams that required money to buy cricket equipment.
Desperate to play, he secretly took a job. While his family believed he was at home, he was working on a construction site. He earned less than others, accepting a lower wage just to stay unnoticed. With his earnings, he bought his first bat and gloves. It was his first taste of independence, his first step towards his dream.
But dreams come at a cost. When his brother found out, he destroyed the very bat he worked so hard for. The heartbreak was immense, but the fire within him only grew stronger. Instead of giving up, he worked even harder. His determination never wavered, and soon, selectors noticed his talent.
Looking back, those 16 days of secret labor changed his life. It was a sacrifice that set him on the path to cricketing success. Today, he plays in the world’s biggest leagues, proving that hard work and passion always find a way.
3. The U-19 Struggle: No Bat, No Problem
At just 15 years old, Gurbaz got the opportunity of a lifetime. He was selected for Afghanistan’s U-19 camp in India. But there was one problem—he had no cricket kit. His family didn’t support his cricket, and financial struggles made things worse.
When his batting turn came, he didn’t even have a bat. He walked around the dressing room, begging teammates to lend him one. But everyone had only one bat, and no one could afford to share. Finally, he found an old, broken bat and stepped onto the field. That moment defined his resilience. Despite these hardships, he impressed the selectors with his fearless batting. He became a key player for the U-19 team and led Afghanistan to big wins. His struggles taught him to fight for every opportunity. Every ball he faced, every run he scored, was a testament to his perseverance.
Years later, when he walked into IPL dressing rooms, he had more bats than he could count. But he never forgot the one broken bat that started his journey.
4. From IPL Benches to T20 World Cup Glory
In the 2023 IPL season, Gurbaz played 11 matches for KKR but didn’t get many opportunities. The following year, he was benched for most of the tournament. Instead of sulking, he used that time to train harder. He batted for hours every day, preparing for the T20 World Cup.
His patience paid off. When he finally played in the IPL final, he gave KKR a blazing start. That confidence carried into the World Cup, where he became the tournament’s highest run-scorer. Afghanistan reached the semi-finals, shocking cricketing giants.
Gurbaz proved that setbacks are just setups for greater comebacks. His IPL experience, even as a benchwarmer, helped him improve. Every challenge became a stepping stone to success. Today, he is one of Afghanistan’s biggest cricketing stars.
5. Cricket: Afghanistan’s Only Joy Amidst Turmoil
For Afghan cricketers, the game is more than just sport—it’s hope. Afghanistan has faced political turmoil, war, and economic struggles. In such times, cricket is the only source of happiness for its people.
Gurbaz understands this responsibility. When Afghanistan wins, the streets light up with celebrations. Fans treat every victory like a festival. For a nation with little to celebrate, cricket becomes their only escape.
Gurbaz works hard not just for himself but for his people. He knows that every six he hits, every match he wins, brings joy to millions. His success is Afghanistan’s success. The weight of an entire nation rests on his shoulders, and he carries it with pride.
6. The Moment That Made It All Worth It
In 2022, Gurbaz returned to Afghanistan to play in the Shpageeza Cricket League. His family, once against his cricket dreams, came to watch him play. As he stood on 99 runs, he heard his younger brother shout from the crowd. “Be careful, be careful, make sure you get your hundred!” In that moment, everything he had fought for became worth it.
His journey—from broken bats to international glory—had come full circle like the women players are delivering performances in WPL. His family, once doubtful of his dreams, now stood as his biggest supporters. That moment, more than any century or title, meant everything to him.
Gurbaz’s story is proof that dreams, no matter how impossible, can come true. Through struggle, sacrifice, and sheer determination, he turned his childhood passion into a career. And today, the world watches as he continues to rise.
Afghanistan’s Chances in the Champions Trophy 2025
Afghanistan has grown into a serious contender in world cricket. Their performances in recent ICC tournaments have been outstanding. They reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. They also came close to a semi-final spot in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Their squad is filled with talented all-rounders and match-winners. Players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan bring experience and aggression. Their fast-bowling attack has improved significantly in recent years. Afghanistan has also adapted well to different playing conditions.
The Champions Trophy is a short, high-intensity tournament. Afghanistan has the ability to surprise top teams in crucial matches. Their fearless approach makes them dangerous against any opponent. However, consistency remains their biggest challenge in big tournaments. If they play smart, they can secure a semi-final spot. Their squad depth and experience give them a real fighting chance. Afghanistan’s dream of winning an ICC trophy feels closer than ever.
