Exclusive: Ibrahim Zadran Set to Shine for Afghanistan in Champions Trophy After Injury Battle

Leaving behind the agony of injury, Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran is ready to take up the challenge in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan and Dubai from February 2025.

The right-handed batsman is making his return to Afghanistan’s national setup through the global tournament after being sidelined since September 2024. He underwent ankle surgery following an injury sustained ahead of the one-off Test against New Zealand in India, which was eventually cancelled due to weather disruptions.

Ibrahim, who had been a regular across formats for Afghanistan before the injury, missed subsequent series against South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe. To regain match fitness, he chose to return to competitive cricket through the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 tournament, playing a short stint for the Khulna Tigers before joining the Gulf Giants in the ILT20 in Dubai.

RECOVERY WAS TOUGH, BUT STAYING POSITIVE WAS KEY

In an exclusive chat with SportsBoom.com, Ibrahim opened up about the challenges of his recovery phase and how he worked to maintain a positive mindset.

“I am almost recovered, but it’s tough to be honest,” Ibrahim said. “When you play two or three years consistently for the country and then stay away from the team, the environment is not easy, and it was very tough," he told SportsBoom.com. 

“I didn’t let negativity creep into my mind,” he continued. “I focused on my fitness and mental health. I was pushing myself and trying to stay positive, and it wasn’t easy. I kept watching the boys play against Bangladesh, South Africa, and Zimbabwe and told myself, Don’t worry; once you’re fit, you’ll come back stronger."

Despite the challenges, Ibrahim made sure to keep himself motivated. “I always wanted to motivate myself. I was watching the boys as they played, and I kept reminding myself that once I get fit, I’ll come back stronger. It’s about staying patient and positive during such times,” he said.

Recovery for a professional athlete can be a gruelling process, both physically and mentally. For Ibrahim, this phase was an opportunity to reflect on his game, work on his fitness, and prepare for the challenges ahead. “I wanted to come back as a better version of myself. The time away gave me a chance to focus on my mental toughness, which is equally important as physical fitness,” he explained.

CONFIDENT ABOUT AFGHANISTAN'S CHANCES

Ibrahim emphasised the importance of mental strength during his time away from the field and his readiness to adapt to international cricket once again.

“Yes, I am preparing myself for the Champions Trophy. I’ve worked a lot on my skills, technique, and mindset. We still have some time, and now I’m focusing on bringing my fitness and agility back on the field,” he shared.

He added, “I just need to be with the team, be in that environment, and play a few practice games. That will help, and I don’t think it’s going to be a big problem for me to start again.”

Looking ahead to the Champions Trophy, Ibrahim expressed optimism about Afghanistan’s chances. He highlighted the team’s growing confidence and their proven ability to compete against the best in the world.

“I think we have a good team, and we can go a long way if we play to our potential,” he said. “We’ve already shown the world what we’re capable of, so we have the confidence to do well against any team.”

Afghanistan’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy, featuring the world’s top-eight cricketing nations, underscores their rise in white-ball cricket. The team is placed in Group B alongside Australia, England, and South Africa—a challenging but exciting prospect for Zadran and his teammates.

With Zadran’s determination and the team’s growing prowess, Afghanistan is poised to make a strong impression on the global stage. Ibrahim’s focus on fitness and mental readiness could very well be the catalyst for Afghanistan’s success in the prestigious tournament.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent my country again,” Ibrahim concluded. “The Champions Trophy is a massive stage, and we are ready to show the world what Afghanistan cricket is all about. We’re not just here to participate; we’re here to compete and make our mark.”