Video Journalist in the Pro Journalists Guild, BBC Radio, published author, PR, travel-sports-fitness-media consultant. Born and raised in Naples (Italy), she has two master’s (Law and Broadcast Journalism) and works for Corriere della Sera, Corriere TV, Il Roma, RAI. She founded Viaggiosport (VSport) and Besplacestokiss.
To Nisar Wahdat, cricket is more than just a game: it’s his passion and purpose. From his early days in Afghanistan, where the game symbolized hope, to his new chapter in the United States, Wahdat has faced challenges head-on. He’s currently focused on growing the sport in his new home while continuing to push his own career forward.
Tell us about your journey. What was your childhood like?
How did your passion for cricket start? I was born in Afghanistan, where cricket became my passion from an early age. Growing up in difficult conditions, I dedicated myself to the sport, training whenever and wherever possible. Inspired by local matches and cricket legends, I began playing as a child, and from that moment, cricket has been a fundamental part of my life. I never looked back.
How important is cricket in your country?
Cricket is more than a sport in Afghanistan: it’s a symbol of national pride, unity, hope. Despite many challenges, it has given young players like me an opportunity to shine.
What were some of the challenges you faced in becoming a pro cricketer?
Poverty made it difficult to access proper training facilities. Insecurity in Afghanistan meant playing cricket was often dangerous. Limited facilities and infrastructure made training harder. We played in tough weather with minimal resources. Terrorist attacks disrupted matches, and I personally witnessed a suicide bombing during the Shpageeza League, where two of our team owners tragically lost their lives.
How did you overcome these challenges?
Through perseverance, mental strength, and dedication to cricket. Despite the hardships, I never gave up.
What teams have you played for?
I played for the Afghanistan U-19 cricket team and have participated in numerous domestic and international tournaments. Since coming to the United States in May 2024, I have played in the U.S. Open Cricket and various domestic leagues while also volunteering as a part-time coach.
Currently, I play for club teams in the U.S. and participate in all major domestic cricket events.
What are your short-term and long-term goals?
In the short term, I want to establish myself in the U.S. cricket scene and continue coaching young players. Long term, I aim to play at the highest level of professional cricket in the U.S. and beyond while helping grow the sport.
What are your main accomplishments in cricket and life?
Representing Afghanistan U-19 on the international stage, competing in top-level domestic and international tournaments, and mentoring young players. These are all accomplishments I am proud of.
Did you always know you would make it in this sport?
I always had the passion and determination, but I knew it would be tough. Cricket is very competitive. Making it requires hard work, discipline, and resilience.
What’s your biggest quality and your biggest flaw?
My biggest strength is my work ethic, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure. My biggest flaw? I sometimes put too much pressure on myself to perform perfectly.
How do you feel when you get on the field?
I feel focused, confident, and alive. Cricket is where I belong, and every match is an opportunity to prove myself.
Who is your main inspiration in cricket?
I am inspired by Rashid Khan, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni, all of whom have demonstrated hard work, dedication, and leadership.
Who has helped you the most in your career?
Aside from my coaches and mentors, my family, especially my brothers, have been my biggest supporters. They always believed in me and pushed me to pursue my dream.
What do you stand for?
I believe in hard work, integrity, and using sports to inspire the next generation.
What is a typical day of training like for you?
A mix of batting, bowling, fitness training, and mental preparation. Every session is about improving specific skills.
How do you stay focused and motivated during games and practices?
By setting goals, staying disciplined, and reminding myself of my journey and sacrifices.
Do you follow any specific diet on game day?
Yes, I focus on a balanced diet with proper hydration, proteins, supplements, and light meals before a match to maintain energy.
Do you have any game-day rituals?
Before every match, I take a moment to visualize my performance and mentally prepare myself.
What do you bring to the team?
I bring experience, strategic thinking, and leadership. My ability to perform in high-pressure situations is one of my strengths.
What do fans, teammates, and experts appreciate most about your style of play?
They appreciate my commitment, composure, and consistency in performance.
What advice would you give to young cricketers aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
Work hard and stay disciplined. Never stop learning and improving. And believe in yourself, even when others doubt you.
What impact do you hope to have on the cricketing community and sports world?
I hope to help cricket grow in the U.S. and inspire young players to pursue their dreams.
What is your American dream?
To establish myself in U.S. cricket, contribute to the sport’s growth, and help create opportunities for young players.
Cricket has shaped my life, and I hope to continue inspiring others through my journey. The challenges I faced have only made me stronger and I am determined to make the most of every opportunity I get.
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Read more from Valeria Rubino
Valeria Rubino, Journalist, PR, Travel-Sports-Fitness Consultant
Video Journalist in the Pro Journalists Guild, BBC Radio, published author, PR, travel-sports-fitness-media consultant. Born and raised in Naples (Italy), she has two master’s (Law and Broadcast Journalism) and works for Corriere della Sera, Corriere TV, Il Roma, RAI. She founded Viaggiosport (VSport) and Besplacestokiss. She offers publicity services to people who need articles and media coverage. Valeria is the only Italian to have ever interviewed all the NBA stars, but also many other athletes, politicians, celebrities. She is known for her multi-lingual interviews. Ex long-distance open water swimmer in the Italian national team (5 to 25K races), she is a fitness enthusiast.
