In an emotional BPL 2026 moment, Afghanistan legend Mohammad Nabi and his 19-year-old son Hassan Eisakhil shared a historic 53-run partnership – the first father-son duo to bat together in top-tier franchise cricket. A story of family, legacy, and dreams coming true on the pitch.
The First Father-Son Duo in Franchise Cricket History
The first father-son duo to share a batting partnership in any top-tier T20 franchise league is Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi and his son Hassan Eisakhil. On January 11, 2026, they added 53 runs together off just 30 balls for Noakhali Express against Dhaka Capitals in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26, helping secure a 41-run victory.
Imagine this: a packed stadium in Sylhet, the floodlights blazing, and a 41-year-old veteran walking out to join his 19-year-old son at the crease. Not in a casual nets session back home, but in a high-stakes T20 match in the Bangladesh Premier League. That’s exactly what happened when Mohammad Nabi and his son Hassan Eisakhil created a moment that cricket fans will talk about for generations.
If you’re a cricket lover like me, moments like these hit different. It’s not just about the runs or the win – it’s about legacy, family, and those quiet dreams parents whisper to their kids. Mohammad Nabi, the man who helped put Afghanistan on the global cricket map, batting alongside his boy? Pure magic.
This wasn’t just any partnership. It was the first father-son duo to bat together in franchise cricket history, a milestone confirmed across major outlets [as reported by ESPNcricinfo]. And Hassan didn’t just show up – he announced himself with a brilliant 92 on debut.
A Dream Come True on the Pitch
Let’s set the scene properly. Noakhali Express were struggling in the tournament, winless in their first six games. They finally handed Hassan Eisakhil his debut cap – and who presented it to him? His dad, Mohammad Nabi, of course. That alone was enough to give you goosebumps.
Hassan opened with Soumya Sarkar and put on a solid 101-run stand. But the real magic started in the 14th over when Nabi strode out after the third wicket fell at 119.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Nabi’s long-time Afghanistan teammate playing for the opposition Dhaka Capitals, even urged the pair to embrace mid-pitch. You could feel the warmth through the screen.
What followed was a blistering 53-run partnership off 30 balls. Hassan dominated, contributing 34 of those runs off just 17 deliveries in the stand, while Nabi played the perfect supporting role with 17 off 13. The young man was reading the bowlers beautifully, lofting straight sixes and constantly chatting with his father – explaining what he saw in the bowler’s hand and how he executed his shots [as detailed by Wisden].
Analyst Insight: Tactically, this partnership was gold for Noakhali. They were 119/3 after 13 overs – respectable but not commanding. The father-son duo accelerated brilliantly, taking the score to 172/4 by the 18th over. That late surge pushed Noakhali to their highest total of the season: 184/7. On a tricky Sylhet pitch, that proved more than enough as Dhaka Capitals were bowled out for 143.
How the Historic Partnership Unfolded
Here’s a quick breakdown of that unforgettable stand:
- Overs 14-18: 53 runs added in just 5 overs
- Hassan’s contribution: 34 off 17 (dominating strike)
- Nabi’s contribution: 17 off 13 (rotating strike, anchoring)
- Boundary count in partnership: Multiple sixes from Hassan, including those effortless straight hits
- End of partnership: Nabi fell to Abdullah Al Mamun in the 18th over; Hassan followed soon after to Mohammad Saifuddin in the 19th
Hassan’s full innings? A magnificent 92 off 60 balls – 7 fours, 5 sixes – his highest T20 score and a match-winning knock on debut [full scorecard via Cricbuzz].
Eisakhil’s Stellar Debut Knock
At just 19, Hassan Eisakhil batted with the composure of someone who’d been playing franchise cricket for years. His stance, his low grip on the bat, even some of those trademark Nabi-style strokes – the similarities were there, but this was very much his own innings.
He started cautiously, built beautifully with Sarkar, and then unleashed in the partnership with his dad. Those straight sixes? He was explaining them to Nabi mid-match – the confidence!
This wasn’t Hassan’s first taste of big cricket. He’s already played domestic T20s in Afghanistan and even faced his father in the Shpageeza Cricket League (where he once smashed Nabi for a first-ball six). But stepping up in the BPL, under pressure, and delivering 92 while making history? That’s special.
What This Means for Afghanistan Cricket
Mohammad Nabi has been the heartbeat of Afghanistan cricket for nearly two decades – pioneer, all-rounder, former captain, World Cup hero. He’s seen his country rise from associate status to full member, from war-torn fields to facing the best in the world.
Now, watching his son emerge on the same stage feels like the perfect passing of the torch.
Analyst Insight: Afghanistan’s talent pipeline is stronger than ever. Young players like Hassan are coming through domestic structures, getting franchise exposure early. Moments like this inspire the next generation back home – showing that dreams really can cross generations.
Nabi himself has spoken openly about wanting to one day play alongside Hassan for the senior Afghanistan team. After this performance? That dream feels closer than ever [as noted by Gulf News].
Quotes from Nabi and Eisakhil
The post-match interviews were pure heart.
Hassan, sitting next to his dad: “We are normal father and son. We are friends. Our bonding is like a friend – we share everything about cricket and life.”
Nabi, with that knowing smile: “I am only strict in training… I have been waiting for a long time to play together with him.”
And on Hassan’s performance: “It’s not easy to perform here… the way he managed this pressure was very good.”
When asked if Hassan copies his batting style: “It is his style,” Nabi said proudly [full quotes from ESPNcricinfo’s in-depth piece].
These aren’t just soundbites. They’re a window into years of nets sessions, quiet advice, and shared dreams.
Cricket has given us plenty of father-son stories – think Chris and Stuart Broad, Arjuna and Avishka Gunawardene – but never before in top-tier franchise T20 have a father and son batted together for the same team. The Nabies have changed that forever [confirmed by NDTV Sports].
As someone who’s followed Nabi’s career from Afghanistan’s early ODI days to multiple World Cups, this felt like full-circle poetry. A legend mentoring the next generation – his own flesh and blood – right there in the middle.
Here’s to more such moments. And here’s hoping we soon see Mohammad Nabi and Hassan Eisakhil lining up together in Afghanistan colors.
What a beautiful game cricket is.
The first father-son duo to share a batting partnership in any top-tier T20 franchise league is Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi and his son Hassan Eisakhil. On January 11, 2026, they added 53 runs together off 30 balls for Noakhali Express against Dhaka Capitals in the BPL 2025-26, with Hassan scoring a match-winning 92 on debut.
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