In a heartwarming and somewhat cheeky moment during a Shpageeza Cricket League match in Kabul, Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi's son, Hassan Eisakhil, showed no mercy to his father's bowling. The incident, which quickly went viral, perfectly captured the spirit of a rare father-son face-off in professional cricket.
The stage was set during the eighth match of the Shpageeza Cricket League 2025 between Amo Sharks and Mis Ainak Knights. Nabi, the veteran Afghan all-rounder, was representing Mis Ainak Knights, while his son, Hassan Eisakhil, opened the batting for Amo Sharks. In what might be a first in cricket history at this level, father and son were pitted against each other on opposing teams.
The moment arrived when Nabi took the ball. Hassan, facing his father, wasted no time, dispatching the very first delivery he faced for a massive six over midwicket. The crowd erupted in laughter and applause, with the on-air commentator adding to the hilarity by jokingly saying: "He is your father, treat him with respect!".
Hassan, an 18-year-old right-handed opener who represented Afghanistan in the 2024 ICC Under-19 World Cup, didn't stop there. He continued to play aggressively, eventually reaching a fluent half-century, scoring 52 runs off 36 balls with five boundaries and two sixes. His innings helped Amo Sharks to a total of 162 before being bowled out.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) shared a video clip of the moment on social media, which further amplified the buzz surrounding the father-son encounter. The video showed Hassan's powerful shot and his subsequent smile towards his father, a gesture that resonated with fans worldwide.
Mohammad Nabi has previously spoken about his dream of playing alongside his son for Afghanistan. He even considered prolonging his career to fulfill this ambition. "It's my dream (to play together for the country) and hopefully we can do it," Nabi said. He has also acknowledged Hassan's hard work and dedication, expressing his desire to guide and support his son's cricketing journey.
Hassan, born on July 28, 2006, has been making a name for himself in domestic cricket. He grabbed attention in 2024 with a blistering 45-ball 150 in a domestic match. He has also played in the Nepal Premier League and has notched centuries in Afghanistan's top first-class competition.
While this instance saw the son getting the better of his father, it's clear that there's a deep sense of pride and mutual respect between them. It was a moment that highlighted the unique bond between father and son, set against the backdrop of a cricket match. It remains to be seen if Nabi's dream of playing alongside Hassan for Afghanistan will materialize, but for now, this instance in the Shpageeza Cricket League will be remembered as a special moment in both their careers.