Mujeeb Ur Rahman: The Powerful Rise of a Fearless Afghan Cricketer
A mystery spinner who transformed Afghanistan’s global cricket identity with skill, courage, and discipline
Introduction
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is one of the most impactful names to emerge from Afghanistan cricket in the modern era. Known for his calm temperament and deadly variations, Mujeeb Ur Rahman rose from humble beginnings to become a global T20 specialist at a remarkably young age. His journey reflects not only personal excellence but also the rapid rise of Afghanistan as a competitive cricketing nation.
As an Afghan cricketer, Mujeeb Ur Rahman represents a generation that changed how the world views Afghanistan cricket. While his success brought global recognition and financial stability, his career has also faced challenges such as injuries and high expectations. This balanced story of achievement and struggle makes his career both inspiring and realistic.
Quick Bio of Mujeeb Ur Rahman
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mujeeb Ur Rahman Zadran |
| Known As | Mujeeb Ur Rahman |
| Date of Birth | 28 March 2001 |
| Age | 24 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Khost, Afghanistan |
| Nationality | Afghan |
| Profession | Professional Cricketer |
| Role | Bowler |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off-break |
| Height | 5 ft 11.5 in (182 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 70 kg |
| Marital Status | Married |
Early Life and Background
Mujeeb Ur Rahman was born in Khost, Afghanistan, a region where cricket gradually became a source of hope and unity. Growing up in a cricket-influenced family, he was exposed to the sport at an early age. His uncle, Noor Ali Zadran, played international cricket for Afghanistan, which helped shape Mujeeb’s understanding of professional sports.
From his childhood, Mujeeb showed a natural ability to spin the ball. Practicing with limited facilities, he developed strong control and accuracy. Like many Afghan cricketers, his early training environment was tough, but this hardship built mental strength and discipline that later became his biggest assets.
Start of Cricket Career
Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s professional journey began through Afghanistan’s youth cricket system. His breakthrough came during the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup in 2017, where he emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. This performance instantly positioned him as one of the most promising young bowlers in Asia.
Soon after, selectors fast-tracked him into the senior national team. While such rapid promotion carried pressure and risk, it also highlighted Afghanistan’s trust in young talent. For Mujeeb, this early exposure accelerated his development but demanded maturity beyond his age.
International Cricket Career
International Debuts
Mujeeb Ur Rahman made his One Day International debut in December 2017 against Ireland. His immediate impact was remarkable, earning him the Player of the Match award. This debut confirmed that he was not just a youth prospect but an international-ready performer.
He made his T20 International debut in February 2018 and later played Afghanistan’s historic first-ever Test match against India in June 2018. With that appearance, Mujeeb became the first cricketer born in the 21st century to play Test cricket, marking a symbolic moment in cricket history.
Records and Achievements
Mujeeb Ur Rahman became the youngest player in history to take a five-wicket haul in One Day Internationals. He also achieved another rare milestone by taking five wickets on his T20 World Cup debut. These achievements firmly established him among the elite mystery spinners in world cricket.
Despite these positives, his Test career did not expand further, largely due to team balance and format specialization. This limitation reflects the modern challenge faced by many T20-focused bowlers.
Playing Style and Strengths
As a right-arm off-break bowler, Mujeeb Ur Rahman is known for his deceptive variations and sharp accuracy. His ability to bowl economically during the powerplay makes him extremely valuable in limited-overs cricket. Batters often struggle to read his deliveries due to his subtle changes in pace and flight.
However, his reliance on variation rather than raw turn can sometimes reduce effectiveness on slow pitches. Even so, his consistency and control outweigh these limitations, making him a trusted bowler across conditions.
Franchise and League Career
Mujeeb Ur Rahman has built a strong reputation as a global T20 specialist. He became the youngest player to feature in the Indian Premier League when he joined Kings XI Punjab in 2018. Later, he played for Sunrisers Hyderabad and was signed by Mumbai Indians in 2025 as a replacement player.
Beyond the IPL, this Afghan cricketer has featured in leagues such as the Big Bash League, Pakistan Super League, Caribbean Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League, and SA20. While constant travel can be physically demanding, it has helped him gain experience and financial security.
Net Worth and Sources of Income
Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s estimated net worth is around USD 5 million. His income comes primarily from Afghanistan Cricket Board contracts, international match fees, and franchise league deals. Sponsorships and endorsements also contribute to his earnings.
Although franchise cricket brings wealth, it also increases workload and injury risk. Balancing national duty and league commitments remains a key challenge in his career.
Health, Fitness, and Injuries
Like many fast-rising athletes, Mujeeb Ur Rahman has faced injury setbacks that caused him to miss certain tournaments. These interruptions temporarily slowed his momentum but did not derail his career.
There are no reported long-term health issues, and he continues to maintain strong fitness standards. His disciplined lifestyle plays a major role in sustaining performance across demanding schedules.
Social Media Presence
Mujeeb Ur Rahman maintains an active presence on major social media platforms, where he shares match updates, training moments, and glimpses of his professional life. His growing following reflects his popularity as both a cricketer and a national icon.
Social media has helped him connect with fans globally, though it also exposes him to public criticism, a common downside for modern athletes.
Legacy and Impact
Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s legacy goes beyond statistics. He represents a turning point in Afghanistan cricket, proving that Afghan cricketers can dominate at the highest level. His success has inspired countless young players to believe in global opportunities.
While his career still has years ahead, his early achievements already place him among Afghanistan’s most influential cricketers. The pressure to maintain performance remains, but his foundation is strong.
Conclusion
Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s journey as an Afghan cricketer is a story of talent, resilience, and global recognition. His early rise brought immense success, while challenges like injuries and format limitations added realism to his career narrative. With skill, discipline, and experience on his side, Mujeeb Ur Rahman continues to shape the future of Afghanistan cricket and remains a powerful symbol of modern Afghan sporting success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Mujeeb Ur Rahman?
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is an Afghan cricketer known for his right-arm off-break bowling and global T20 success.
What makes Mujeeb Ur Rahman special?
He is one of the youngest players to achieve major international records and is a leading mystery spinner in limited-overs cricket.
Which teams has Mujeeb Ur Rahman played for?
He has played for Afghanistan internationally and for several franchise teams including IPL, BBL, PSL, CPL, and others.
Is Mujeeb Ur Rahman married?
Yes, Mujeeb Ur Rahman is married.
What is Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s role in Afghanistan cricket?
He is a key bowler and an inspirational figure for young Afghan cricketers worldwide.
