Yahya Khan

Born on the first day of the new millennium in Afghanistan, Yahya Khan's journey from the dusty streets of Kabul to the lush greens of international cricket grounds is a tale of tenacity and raw talent. From an early age, Yahya was captivated by the flight and guile of spin bowling, drawing inspiration from local heroes who spun their way into cricketing folklore. By the time he was a teenager, his right-arm offbreaks began turning heads in local club matches.

Yahya's rise to prominence was meteoric. His dedication to mastering spin, combined with an uncanny ability to read batsmen, saw him inducted into Afghanistan's domestic circuit at the tender age of 17. His debut season was a compelling exhibition of youthful exuberance and skill, where he upset seasoned veterans and quickly became a fixture in the domestic leagues.

By age 20, Yahya made his professional debut for Afghanistan in a high-octane T20 series, where his stringent economy rate and sharp turn made him a standout performer. He soon became renowned for his knack for breaking crucial partnerships, a skill that was pivotal in Afghanistan's climb up the international rankings. Among his notable achievements was a crucial role in Afghanistan's maiden Asia Cup semi-final appearance, where his disciplined bowling under pressure was lauded by pundits and peers alike.

One of the hallmark rivalries that defined his career was against Pakistan, where his battles with their batsmen became a fan-favourite spectacle. Particularly memorable was a match in Lahore, where Yahya's 4-wicket haul led Afghanistan to a narrow victory, sealing his status as a clutch performer.

Complementing his bowling prowess, Yahya developed as a steadfast, albeit unspectacular, lower-order batsman. His right-hand batting technique was fundamentally sound, often providing vital runs in tight contests—such as the tense World Cup qualifier against Ireland, where his composed 30 runs rescued the team from the brink of defeat.

Yahya Khan’s playing style is marked by his ability to extract sharp turn even on the most benign pitches. His strengths lie in his deceptively flighted deliveries and strategic placement, often outfoxing even the most experienced of batsmen. His serene demeanour on the field belies a fiercely competitive spirit, and his impact is felt both through his performances and his influence on aspiring Afghan cricketers, dreaming of emulating his path. As Yahya continues to etch his legacy, he remains an integral figure of Afghan cricket’s golden narrative.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats