Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Known for his mix off-breaks with leg-spin and ripping googlies, Mujeeb Ur Rahman is recognized as a promising Afghanistan star in cricket scene.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman: Talented Afghanistan Spinner on T20 Format

Mujeeb Ur Rahman, the talented Afghan cricketer, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket. With his unique blend of offbreaks, legspin, and googlies.

Mujeeb has made a name for himself in T20 leagues across the globe. From his early successes in youth cricket to his impressive performances in international cricket.

Early Career

Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s cricket journey began at a young age, and he quickly showcased his talent and potential.

Mujeeb was part of the Afghanistan Under-19 side that achieved a historic 3-1 series victory against Bangladesh in 2017.

He made a significant impact in the U-19 Asia Cup, taking 5 for 13 in the final against Pakistan to help Afghanistan secure the title.

Mujeeb’s breakthrough performance came in the U-19 World Cup in 2018, where he took 4 for 14 against the host team, New Zealand, setting up a semi-final clash against Australia.

Domestic Career

Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s domestic career has seen him represent various teams in different T20 leagues around the world.

Mujeeb made his debut in the T20 Blast in England, playing for Hampshire. He played for the Nagarhar Leopards in the inaugural edition of the Afghanistan Premier League.

Mujeeb also had stints with Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) before moving to Melbourne Renegades in 2022.

International Career

Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s international career has been marked by impressive performances and valuable contributions to the Afghanistan national team.

Mujeeb became the youngest player to take five wickets in an ODI, achieving this feat against Zimbabwe at the age of 16 years and 325 days.

He played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s qualification for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, with a four-wicket haul in the final of the World Cup Qualifier tournament.

Mujeeb has been a regular member of the Afghan team in all formats, showcasing his skills and versatility as a spinner.

IPL and Franchise Career

Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s performances in franchise cricket, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL), have garnered attention and praise.

Mujeeb was signed by Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the IPL for a significant sum of around US$630,000 in 2018.

He made an immediate impact in the IPL, becoming the youngest player to feature in the tournament and playing a crucial role in his team’s victories.

Mujeeb has also represented other franchises in various T20 leagues, including Brisbane Heat in the BBL and Melbourne Renegades in the IPL.

However, in 2024 season, Mujeeb Ur Rahman was officially bought by Kolkata Knight Riders on the base price of ₹2 crore.

Cricket Records of Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Mujeeb Ur Rahman, the Afghan cricket sensation, has made significant strides in international cricket since his debut in 2017.

Known for his spin bowling, Mujeeb has set several records in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, showcasing his skills and potential on the global stage. Here’s a detailed look at some of his notable cricket records:

Top Records

One-Day Internationals (ODIs):

• Most runs in an innings by batting position: Ranked 8th with a score of 64 runs, Mujeeb’s batting prowess has occasionally come to the fore, highlighting his all-round capabilities.
• Most consecutive ducks: With 3 consecutive ducks, he is 6th on the list, a testament to the high-risk, high-reward nature of his batting at the tail-end.
• Youngest player to take five-wickets-in-an-innings: Standing 1st, Mujeeb achieved this feat at the tender age of 16 years and 325 days, showcasing his exceptional talent early in his career.

Test Records:

• Youngest players: Mujeeb made his Test debut at 17 years and 78 days, ranking him 17th among the youngest players to play Test cricket, indicating his early rise in international cricket.

T20 International Records:

• Bowler/batters combinations: He is 13th in this category, highlighting his effectiveness against specific batters in T20Is.
• Fastest to 50 wickets: Mujeeb is the 32nd fastest bowler to reach 50 wickets in T20Is, showcasing his impact in the shortest format of the game.

Other Notable Records:

• Most consecutive ducks across formats: Mujeeb has the 4th highest number of consecutive ducks when combining Test, ODI, and T20I records, a quirky stat that underscores the unpredictable nature of cricket.
• Fastest to 50 wickets in ODIs: Ranked 19th, Mujeeb reached this milestone in just 27 matches, underlining his prowess as a frontline spinner for Afghanistan.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman: A Glimpse into the Spinner’s Family and Early Life

Mujeeb Ur Rahman, the Afghan cricket prodigy, has not only made a name for himself on the cricket field but also comes from a background that is deeply rooted in the sport.

Born on March 28, 2001, Mujeeb’s journey into cricket was influenced by his family’s passion for the game, particularly his uncle, Noor Ali Zadran, a recognized figure in Afghan cricket.

This familial connection provided Mujeeb with an early exposure to the sport, setting the stage for his future successes.

Family Background and Cricketing Lineage

Mujeeb’s family has played a pivotal role in his cricketing career. His uncle, Noor Ali Zadran, not only represented Afghanistan at the international level but also established a cricket academy at his home in Kabul.

This academy became a nurturing ground for Mujeeb and many other aspiring cricketers, offering them a platform to hone their skills.

Mujeeb’s cousin, Ibrahim Zadran, is another testament to the cricketing talent within the family, further emphasizing the sport’s significance in their lineage.

Personal Life and Milestones

At a young age of 19, Mujeeb stepped into a new chapter of his life by getting married in 2020 in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The wedding was a gathering of Afghanistan’s cricket elite, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic. Mujeeb and his wife were blessed with a daughter, Sana Khan, adding a new dimension to his personal life.

Early Cricketing Endeavors

Mujeeb’s cricketing journey is marked by his innovative approach to spin bowling, inspired by the likes of Ajantha Mendis, Sunil Narine, and Ravichandran Ashwin.

His ability to bowl well-concealed carom balls and googlies, alongside his offbreaks, has made him a formidable force on the field.

Mujeeb’s early exposure to international cricket, thanks to his uncle, instilled in him a belief and determination that transcended linguistic barriers, making cricket his universal language of expression.

A Home Grounded in Cricket

Mujeeb’s upbringing in a mansion in Khost, equipped with private practice facilities, provided him with an ideal environment to nurture his cricketing talent.

His fascination with cricket was sparked by the T20 World Cup in 2012, leading him to emulate the bowling styles of renowned international spinners through YouTube videos and rigorous practice.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman: A Financial Overview

Mujeeb Ur Rahman, the Afghan cricket sensation, has made significant strides not only on the cricket field but also in his financial portfolio.

With a net worth estimated between $5 million to $15 million, Mujeeb’s financial journey is as compelling as his cricket career.

Net Worth and Earnings

Mujeeb’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, according to multiple sources. This wealth accumulation is largely attributed to his cricketing career.

Its including his salary from the Afghan national cricket team and his participation in various T20 leagues around the world, most notably the Indian Premier League (IPL).

IPL Contributions

In the IPL, Mujeeb has been a sought-after player due to his exceptional spin bowling skills. His IPL salary has seen significant figures, with Sunrisers Hyderabad acquiring him for Rs. 1.50 crore in 2021, and 2 crore on 2024 season with KKR.

His performances in the league have not only bolstered his financial standing but have also increased his marketability for other T20 leagues globally.

2 Biggest Controversy in Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s Career

Mujeeb Ur Rahman, a key figure in Afghanistan’s cricket team, has encountered his share of controversies, which have sparked discussions and raised eyebrows in the cricketing community.

These incidents not only reflect the personal challenges faced by Mujeeb but also underscore broader issues within the sport.

1. Sanctioned by the Afghanistan Cricket Board

In a significant move, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) imposed sanctions on Mujeeb Ur Rahman, along with Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen ul Haq, in December 2023.

The sanctions came as a response to the players’ request to be released from their central contracts, aiming to participate freely in global T20 leagues.

The ACB’s decision to withhold No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas league participation for two years and to delay their central contracts highlighted the board’s stance on prioritizing national commitments over individual interests.

2. Age Controversy

Mujeeb’s cricketing prowess has been overshadowed by controversy regarding his age. Public records state his birth date as March 28, 2001, making him 17 years old during his stint with Kings XI Punjab in the IPL’s 11th edition.

However, Rashid Latif, a former Pakistan cricketer and coach for Afghanistan, cast doubt on this claim by recalling Mujeeb’s presence at a team trial in Afghanistan back in 2010. If Latif’s memory serves correctly, it would imply that Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s age had been misrepresented.