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1. Introduction

Shahidullah Kamal, born on February 6, 1999, in Khost, Afghanistan, is a left-handed batting all-rounder who has gradually emerged as a promising talent for the Afghanistan national cricket team. Known for his versatile capabilities with both bat and ball, Shahidullah represents the new generation of Afghan cricketers making their mark on the international stage. Most recently, he earned selection in Afghanistan’s 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with the chief selector praising his value as a crucial left-handed batting option.

At just 26 years old, Shahidullah Kamal has already represented Afghanistan across all three formats of international cricket. His journey from the cricket-starved region of Khost to playing for his national team in major ICC tournaments is nothing short of inspirational. With his ability to play crucial middle-order innings and provide handy left-arm spin, he has become an important asset for Afghanistan cricket, particularly in T20 cricket where his strike rate of 122.03 provides impetus in the middle overs.

In this comprehensive biography, readers will discover Shahidullah Kamal’s early life, family background, cricket career journey, detailed statistics, net worth, lifestyle, achievements, and much more. Whether you’re looking for his Test debut details, ODI performance, T20 World Cup 2026 selection, or information about his personal life, this article covers everything you need to know about this talented Afghan cricketer in 2026.

2. Early Life & Background

Shahidullah Kamal was born on February 6, 1999, in Khost, a city in eastern Afghanistan. Growing up in Khost during the 2000s and early 2010s meant facing significant challenges due to Afghanistan’s infrastructure deficits, including a scarcity of proper pitches, equipment, and training venues. Despite these obstacles, cricket became a unifying force in the region, drawing youth into local playgroups where basic skills were developed.

From a young age, Shahidullah showed a natural affinity for cricket. The sport’s accessibility and its role as a source of hope and unity in post-conflict Afghanistan inspired him to pursue the game seriously. His left-handed batting style and ability to bowl slow left-arm orthodox spin made him stand out among his peers in local cricket circles.

Cricket in Khost and across Afghanistan was gradually gaining momentum during Shahidullah’s formative years. International aid, such as Germany’s €700,000 contribution toward a cricket stadium in Khost around 2014, began addressing infrastructure gaps, providing young talents like Shahidullah with better facilities to hone their skills.

His passion for cricket was evident from childhood, and he dedicated countless hours to practicing batting and bowling despite limited resources. The determination to succeed and represent Afghanistan on the international stage became his primary motivation. His early cricket training came through youth programs and local cricket academies that were emerging in Afghanistan during this period.

Shahidullah’s talent was recognized early, and he was selected for age-group cricket, which set the foundation for his professional career. His journey reflects the broader story of Afghan cricket’s rise from obscurity to international recognition.

3. Family Details

Shahidullah Kamal comes from a modest family background in Khost, Afghanistan. While specific details about his parents and family members have not been publicly disclosed, it is known that his family has been supportive of his cricket career from the beginning. Growing up in Afghanistan during challenging times, his family played a crucial role in nurturing his cricket ambitions.

As of 2026, Shahidullah Kamal is not married and is currently single, focusing entirely on his cricket career and establishing himself as a regular member of the Afghanistan national team.

4. Education Background

• School: Local school in Khost, Afghanistan
• College/University: Not publicly disclosed
• Cricket Academy: Youth cricket programs affiliated with Afghanistan Cricket Board
• Degrees: Information not available
• Balancing Education and Cricket: Like many Afghan cricketers, Shahidullah prioritized cricket training over higher education, focusing on developing his skills through cricket academies and domestic competitions

Shahidullah’s educational journey was primarily centered around his cricket development. While formal education details remain private, his real education came through cricket academies and the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s development programs. He learned the nuances of the game under various coaches who helped shape his batting technique and bowling skills.

5. Cricket Career Journey

A. Domestic / Club Career

In 2017, Shahidullah was picked by Band-e-Amir Dragons for the 2017 Shpageeza Cricket League to make his T20 debut, marking the beginning of his professional cricket journey. His first-class debut followed on November 19, 2017, playing for Mis Ainak Region in the Ahmad Shah Abdali 4-day Tournament.

Throughout his domestic career, Shahidullah has represented several teams including:

• Mis Ainak Region (First-class cricket)
• Band-e-Amir Dragons (Shpageeza Cricket League)
• Kabul Eagles and Kabul Zwanan (Afghanistan Premier League)
• Amo Sharks (Domestic T20)
• Khost Province (Regional cricket)

His domestic performances, particularly in first-class cricket where he has scored over 1,600 runs with an impressive average of 62.33, caught the attention of national selectors. He has been a consistent performer in Afghanistan’s domestic circuit, showcasing his ability to build long innings and contribute with the ball when required.

B. International Career

Test Debut and Career

Shahidullah made his Test debut for Afghanistan against Zimbabwe on March 10, 2021 in Abu Dhabi. This was a significant milestone in his career, representing his country in the longest format of the game. In his Test career, he has shown glimpses of his batting potential, playing the role of a middle-order batsman who can stabilize innings.

As of 2026, Shahidullah has played 3 Test matches for Afghanistan, accumulating 63 runs with a highest score of 29. While his Test numbers are still developing, his domestic first-class record suggests he has the temperament for red-ball cricket.

ODI Career

Shahidullah Kamal made his One Day International debut for Afghanistan on January 21, 2022, against the Netherlands in Doha, Qatar. In his debut innings, he scored 1 run off 3 balls in a match Afghanistan lost by 84 runs.

His ODI career includes only 3 matches so far, during which he has scored 39 runs at an average of 13.00. His career-best ODI score is 37 off 65 balls, scored on August 26 against Pakistan in Colombo, showing his ability to construct innings in the 50-over format.

T20I Career

Shahidullah earned his first T20I cap on October 4, 2023, against Sri Lanka in the quarter-final of the Asian Games men’s cricket competition in Hangzhou, China, scoring 23 runs off 14 balls to help Afghanistan secure an 8-run victory. This impressive debut showcased his ability to play aggressively in the shortest format.

In T20I cricket, Shahidullah has played 3 matches, scoring 72 runs with a strike rate of 122.03 and a highest score of 49, demonstrating his potential as a power-hitter in the middle order.

C. Franchise Cricket

While Shahidullah hasn’t been picked up by major franchise leagues like the IPL, BBL, or PSL yet, he has been an active participant in Afghanistan’s domestic T20 leagues:

• Shpageeza Cricket League: Regular performer for Band-e-Amir Dragons
• Afghanistan Premier League: Represented Kabul Zwanan and Kabul Eagles
• ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup: Key player for Afghanistan’s emerging team

His performances in these tournaments have been crucial for his development, and with continued strong showings, he could attract interest from international T20 leagues in the future.

6. Career Timeline Chart

📅 CAREER TIMELINE

2014 ─── U-19 World Cup Debut (UAE) - Youngest player at 15
   │
2017 ─── T20 Debut (Shpageeza Cricket League) & First-class Debut
   │
2021 ─── Test Debut vs Zimbabwe (Abu Dhabi) - March 10
   │
2022 ─── ODI Debut vs Netherlands (Doha) - January 21
   │
2023 ─── T20I Debut vs Sri Lanka (Hangzhou) - October 4
   │
2025 ─── Test Match vs Zimbabwe - January 2025
   │
2026 ─── Current - Established Squad Member for Afghanistan

7. Career Statistics

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats

Statistics updated as of January 2026

8. Player Comparison Section

📊 Shahidullah Kamal vs Mohammad Nabi Comparison

Analysis: While Shahidullah Kamal is still early in his international career with limited appearances, he shares similarities with Mohammad Nabi as a left-handed batting all-rounder. Nabi, a veteran Afghan cricketer, has paved the way for young talents like Shahidullah. With more opportunities and experience, Shahidullah has the potential to develop into a crucial all-rounder for Afghanistan, much like Nabi has been for over a decade. His domestic first-class average of 53.01 shows promise that with consistent selection, his international numbers could improve significantly.

9. Playing Style Analysis

Batting Technique & Signature Shots: Shahidullah Kamal is a left-handed batsman known for his orthodox technique and ability to play long innings. His domestic first-class average of over 53 demonstrates his capability to construct innings patiently. He possesses a solid defensive technique while also being capable of acceleration when needed. His signature shots include the cover drive and pull shot, which he executes with confidence against pace bowling.

Bowling Style: As a slow left-arm orthodox spinner, Shahidullah provides a valuable option for Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack. While not a frontline bowler at the international level yet, his variations and ability to contain batsmen make him useful in domestic cricket. He focuses on accuracy and flight rather than excessive turn.

Fielding Abilities: Shahidullah is an agile fielder who can be deployed in various positions around the ground. His catching ability and quick reflexes make him a reliable option in the inner circle during T20 matches.

Strengths:

• Solid technique against spin bowling
• Ability to anchor innings in first-class cricket
• Useful part-time spin bowling option
• Good temperament under pressure
• Strike rotation capabilities

Weaknesses:

• Limited international experience
• Needs to convert starts into big scores at international level
• Bowling average at international level yet to be established
• Strike rate in ODIs needs improvement

Expert Opinions: Cricket analysts view Shahidullah as a promising prospect who needs more consistent opportunities at the international level. His exceptional domestic record suggests he has the ability to succeed, but translating that to international cricket requires regular match time and experience.

10. Achievements & Awards

International Recognition:

• Test Debut: 2021 vs Zimbabwe
• ODI Debut: 2022 vs Netherlands
• T20I Debut: 2023 vs Sri Lanka (Asian Games)

Domestic Achievements:

• First-Class Cricket: 6 centuries and 15 half-centuries
• List A Cricket: 1 century and 18 half-centuries
• Highest First-Class Score: 189 runs
• Highest List A Score: 133 runs

Tournament Appearances:

• ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup: Player of the Match honors in group stage victory (2019)
• 2014 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup: Represented Afghanistan at age 15
• Shpageeza Cricket League: Multiple seasons
• Afghanistan Premier League: Regular participant

Records Held:

• One of the youngest players to represent Afghanistan in U-19 World Cup (15 years old)
• Strong first-class batting average for Afghan domestic cricket
• Part of Afghanistan’s historic Test cricket journey

While Shahidullah’s international trophy cabinet is still developing, his consistent domestic performances and selection for national duty across all formats represent significant achievements for a player from Khost, a region with limited cricket infrastructure.

11. Net Worth & Earnings

💰 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Income Sources:

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) Contract: According to reports, Afghan cricket board players earn around $1,000-$3,500 monthly salary based on their contract grade. As an international player representing Afghanistan in all formats, Shahidullah likely earns approximately $12,000 – $42,000 annually from his ACB central contract.

Match Fees: International players earn match fees for each Test, ODI, and T20I appearance, which adds to their annual income.

Domestic Cricket: Earnings from Afghanistan’s domestic leagues including Shpageeza Cricket League and Afghanistan Premier League contribute to his overall income, though exact figures are not publicly disclosed.

Endorsements: Currently not associated with major brand endorsements, though this could change as he establishes himself more prominently in international cricket.

Prize Money: Tournament bonuses and prize money from domestic competitions add supplementary income.

Brand Endorsements:

Currently, Shahidullah Kamal does not have major commercial endorsement deals. As Afghan cricket continues to grow and if he establishes himself as a regular performer, endorsement opportunities could emerge, particularly from Afghan and regional brands.

Note: Net worth estimates are based on available information about Afghan cricket player salaries, match fees, and domestic cricket earnings. Actual figures may vary as financial details of Afghanistan cricketers are not widely publicized.

12. Lifestyle Section

🏠 ASSETS & LIFESTYLE

Properties:

• Primary Residence: Khost, Afghanistan
• Details about property ownership are not publicly available

Cars Collection:

• Information not publicly disclosed
• Likely owns modest vehicles appropriate to earnings

Hobbies:

• Cricket Practice: Dedicated to improving his game
• Fitness Training: Maintains physical conditioning
• Music: Enjoys Afghan traditional music
• Spending time with family

Diet & Fitness:

Workout Routine:

• Regular gym sessions for strength and conditioning
• Cricket-specific drills and batting practice
• Running and cardio exercises for stamina
• Flexibility and yoga for injury prevention

Diet Preferences:

• Traditional Afghan cuisine including rice dishes, kababs, and nan bread
• High-protein diet for muscle maintenance
• Balanced nutrition to maintain optimal playing weight
• Adequate hydration during training and matches

As a professional cricketer, Shahidullah maintains a disciplined lifestyle focused on cricket development, physical fitness, and representing Afghanistan with pride. His lifestyle reflects the values of a young athlete building his career in international cricket.

13. Physical Appearance

Shahidullah maintains an athletic physique suitable for professional cricket, with good strength and agility that aids his all-round capabilities.

14. Coaches & Mentors

Early Development:

• Youth Coaches: Local coaches in Khost who recognized his talent
• Afghanistan Cricket Board Coaches: Various national coaches during age-group cricket

Current Support:

• Afghanistan National Team Coaches: Works with the national team coaching staff
• Batting Coaches: Focuses on technique refinement for international cricket
• Spin Bowling Coaches: Develops his left-arm orthodox bowling

Mentors: Senior Afghan cricketers like Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan serve as role models and provide guidance to emerging players like Shahidullah.

Training Philosophy: Shahidullah follows a philosophy of continuous improvement, combining traditional Afghan cricket values with modern training methods. He emphasizes the importance of mental toughness and adaptability in international cricket.

15. Jersey Number History

Unlike some established players, Shahidullah doesn’t have a fixed jersey number across all formats and teams, as number allocation varies based on squad composition and team management decisions.

16. Controversies & Challenges

Shahidullah Kamal has maintained a clean image throughout his cricket career, with no major controversies associated with his name. However, he has faced several challenges:

Challenges Faced:

1. Limited Infrastructure: Growing up in Khost with infrastructure deficits, including scarcity of proper pitches and equipment, presented significant obstacles to his cricket development.
2. Limited International Opportunities: With Afghanistan still developing its cricket program, getting consistent opportunities at the international level has been challenging.
3. Competition for Spots: Strong competition in Afghan cricket means fighting for limited spots in the national team across all formats.
4. Transitioning from Domestic to International Cricket: The jump from excellent domestic performances to establishing himself at the international level remains a work in progress.

Overcoming Adversity: Shahidullah has overcome these challenges through dedication, hard work, and maintaining focus on continuous improvement. His selection across all three formats demonstrates his resilience and determination to succeed despite obstacles.

Public Response: The Afghan cricket community has been supportive of Shahidullah’s journey, recognizing him as part of the next generation that will carry Afghan cricket forward.

17. Charity & Philanthropy

While specific charitable initiatives by Shahidullah Kamal are not widely documented, like many Afghan cricketers, he is likely involved in:

• Community Cricket Programs: Supporting youth cricket development in Afghanistan
• Social Causes: Contributing to rebuilding efforts in Afghanistan
• Cricket Academies: Inspiring young cricketers from Khost and surrounding regions

As his career progresses and financial stability improves, there may be more formalized philanthropic activities. Afghan cricketers generally maintain strong connections to their communities and support various social causes.

18. Personal Interests

Shahidullah, like many Afghan cricketers, enjoys traditional Afghan culture while also appreciating international cricket and entertainment. His interests reflect a blend of Afghan heritage and modern cricket culture.

19. Social Media Presence

Shahidullah Kamal maintains an active Instagram presence with over 13,000 followers, where he shares updates about his cricket career, training sessions, and match performances. His bio identifies him as an Afghanistan National Cricket Team Player associated with the Afghanistan Cricket Board.

While not highly active on multiple platforms, his Instagram serves as the primary channel for fans to follow his cricket journey. He occasionally posts cricket-related content, training videos, and moments from international and domestic matches.

Official Links:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shahidullahkamal25/
• Afghanistan Cricket Board: https://www.acb.af/

20. Recent News & Updates (2025-2026)

Latest Performances:

• January 22, 2026: Shahidullah played in the 3rd T20I against West Indies in Dubai, where Afghanistan completed a 3-0 series sweep
• December 31, 2025: Selected in Afghanistan’s 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
• January 19-22, 2026: Featured in the T20I series against West Indies in UAE
• January 2, 2025: Part of Afghanistan’s Test squad against Zimbabwe

Current Team & Role:

• T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Member: Confirmed in Afghanistan’s 15-player squad for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka
• Role: Left-handed middle-order batsman providing crucial variety to the batting lineup
• National Team: Regular squad member across formats
• Jersey Number: #15 in recent T20I matches

Upcoming Series:

• T20 World Cup 2026: Afghanistan will face New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai as their opening match
• Pool D Matches: Fixtures against South Africa, UAE, and Canada in the group stage
• Bilateral Series: Continued international assignments throughout 2026

Career Development:

• T20 World Cup 2026 Selection: Afghanistan’s chief selector praised Shahidullah, stating he performed well in recent events and provides a valuable left-handed batting option crucial for major tournaments
• Working on improving strike rate in limited-overs cricket
• Focusing on converting starts into substantial scores at international level
• Developing bowling skills to become a more effective all-rounder
• Competing for middle-order spots alongside established players

Team News: Afghanistan cricket is experiencing an exciting phase heading into the T20 World Cup 2026. Shahidullah Kamal has been recognized by selectors as providing crucial left-handed batting variety to the squad. The team features a perfect blend of emerging talents like Shahidullah alongside established stars like Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ibrahim Zadran. Afghanistan recently completed a 3-0 whitewash over West Indies in January 2026 and is placed in Pool D of the T20 World Cup alongside New Zealand, South Africa, UAE, and Canada.

Injury Updates: As of January 2026, no major injury concerns have been reported. Shahidullah remains fit and available for selection.

21. Lesser-Known Facts

10-15 Interesting Facts about Shahidullah Kamal:

1. Youngest at U-19 World Cup: At just 15 years old, Shahidullah was the youngest player in the 2014 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup held in UAE.
2. Impressive First-Class Record: With 6 centuries and an average of 53.01 in first-class cricket, his domestic numbers are outstanding.
3. Left-Handed Rarity: Left-handed batsmen are relatively rare in Afghanistan cricket, making him a valuable asset.
4. All-Format Cricketer: One of the few Afghan cricketers to debut in all three international formats (Test, ODI, T20I).
5. Khost Connection: Represents one of Afghanistan’s provinces that has contributed significantly to national cricket talent.
6. Asian Games Debut: Made his T20I debut at the prestigious Asian Games cricket event in 2023.
7. T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Selected for Afghanistan’s 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
8. Chief Selector’s Praise: ACB’s chief selector specifically mentioned Shahidullah’s value as a left-handed option for major tournaments.
9. Double Threat: Provides balance to the team with both left-handed batting and left-arm spin bowling.
10. High Score Achievement: Has scored 189 in first-class cricket, showing his ability to play marathon innings.
11. West Indies Series 2026: Featured in Afghanistan’s 3-0 T20I series whitewash over West Indies in January 2026.
12. Emerging Teams Star: Was recognized as a top performer in ACC Emerging Teams competitions.
13. Versatile Batsman: Can bat anywhere in the middle order depending on team requirements.
14. Cultural Ambassador: Represents the growing popularity of cricket in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces.
15. Youth Inspiration: Serves as inspiration for young cricketers in Khost and surrounding areas.

22. FAQs

Q1: Who is Shahidullah Kamal?

A: Shahidullah Kamal is a 26-year-old Afghan cricketer born on February 6, 1999, in Khost, Afghanistan. He is a left-handed batting all-rounder who plays for the Afghanistan national cricket team across all formats. Known for his solid technique and left-arm orthodox spin bowling, he has represented Afghanistan in Test, ODI, and T20I cricket since 2021.

Q2: What is Shahidullah Kamal’s net worth in 2026?

A: As of 2026, Shahidullah Kamal’s estimated net worth is approximately $150,000 to $200,000 USD, primarily earned through his Afghanistan Cricket Board contract, match fees, and domestic cricket earnings.

Q3: How did Shahidullah Kamal start his cricket career?

A: Shahidullah began his cricket journey in Khost, Afghanistan, participating in youth cricket programs despite limited infrastructure. He was selected for Afghanistan’s U-19 team at just 15 years old for the 2014 World Cup. He made his domestic T20 debut in 2017 with Band-e-Amir Dragons before progressing to international cricket in 2021.

Q4: Is Shahidullah Kamal married?

A: No, Shahidullah Kamal is not married as of 2026. He is currently single and focused on establishing his cricket career at the international level.

Q5: What records does Shahidullah Kamal hold?

A: Shahidullah holds several notable achievements including:

• One of the youngest players at the 2014 U-19 World Cup (15 years old)
• First-class highest score of 189 runs
• List A highest score of 133 runs
• First-class batting average of 53.01 with 6 centuries
• Represents Afghanistan across all three international formats

Q6: Which teams does Shahidullah Kamal play for?

A: Shahidullah plays for the Afghanistan national cricket team in international cricket. In domestic cricket, he has represented Mis Ainak Region, Band-e-Amir Dragons, Kabul Eagles, Kabul Zwanan, Amo Sharks, and Khost Province in various tournaments.

Q7: What is Shahidullah Kamal’s highest score?

A: Shahidullah Kamal’s highest scores across formats are:

• Test: 29 runs
• ODI: 37 runs (vs Pakistan, August 2023)
• T20I: 49 runs
• First-Class: 189 runs
• List A: 133 runs

Q8: How many centuries has Shahidullah Kamal scored?

A: Shahidullah Kamal has scored:

• International Cricket: 0 centuries (across all formats)
• First-Class Cricket: 6 centuries
• List A Cricket: 1 century
• T20 Cricket: 0 centuries

His international career is still developing, with his highest international score being 49 in T20Is.

Q9: What is Shahidullah Kamal’s batting style?

A: Shahidullah Kamal is a left-handed batsman with an orthodox technique, known for building innings patiently. He combines solid defense with stroke-playing ability. He also bowls slow left-arm orthodox spin, making him a useful all-rounder for Afghanistan.

Q10: What is Shahidullah Kamal’s age?

A: Shahidullah Kamal is 26 years old as of 2026. He was born on February 6, 1999, in Khost, Afghanistan.

23. Conclusion

Shahidullah Kamal represents the emerging generation of Afghan cricketers who are building on the foundation laid by pioneers like Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan. At just 26 years old, his journey from the cricket-starved region of Khost to representing Afghanistan across all three international formats is truly inspiring.

With an exceptional first-class batting average of 53.01, including 6 centuries, Shahidullah has proven his capability at the domestic level. While his international statistics are still developing, with only 9 matches across all formats, he has shown glimpses of his potential, particularly with his T20I strike rate of 122.03 and his ability to contribute with the ball.

As Afghanistan continues to grow as a cricketing nation, players like Shahidullah will be crucial to the team’s success. His left-handed batting and left-arm spin bowling provide valuable variety to the squad. With more consistent opportunities and international exposure, he has the potential to become a key member of Afghanistan’s middle order.

Looking ahead to the future, Shahidullah’s focus will be on converting his impressive domestic form into consistent international performances. If he can replicate even a fraction of his first-class success at the highest level, Afghanistan will have a dependable all-rounder for years to come.

For fans of Afghan cricket and those following the sport’s global growth, Shahidullah Kamal is definitely a player to watch. His dedication, talent, and resilience embody the spirit of Afghan cricket’s remarkable journey.

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Related Players:

Related Afghanistan Players:

• Rashid Khan – Afghanistan’s premier leg-spinner
• Mohammad Nabi – Veteran all-rounder
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Wicketkeeper-batsman
• Ibrahim Zadran – Opening batsman
• Mujeeb Ur Rahman – Off-spinner

Similar All-Rounders:

• Ravindra Jadeja – Left-arm spinning all-rounder
• Axar Patel – Left-arm orthodox spinner
• Mitchell Santner – Left-arm spin all-rounder
• Washington Sundar – Off-spinning all-rounder

Emerging Talents:

• Tilak Varma – Young Indian batsman
• Abhishek Sharma – Left-handed all-rounder
• Rachin Ravindra – New Zealand all-rounder