Introduction: The Enigma from Afghanistan
In the dusty streets of Khost, Afghanistan, a young boy once bowled a tennis ball wrapped in electrical tape, dreaming of a future his war-torn homeland could scarcely imagine. Today, that boy, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, is one of cricket’s most captivating figures—a “mystery spinner” bamboozling batters from the IPL to the World Cup. With a net worth soaring past $4 million and a career that’s redefined Afghan cricket, Mujeeb’s journey is a tale of resilience, reinvention, and relentless spin.
Early Life: From Refugee Camps to Cricket Stardom
Born on March 28, 2001, in Khost province, Mujeeb’s childhood was marked by instability. His family fled to Pakistan during the Taliban’s resurgence, where he first encountered cricket in refugee camps. Returning to Afghanistan as a teenager, he joined the national youth setup, mentored by former Afghan captain Rashid Khan’s coach, Noor Muhammad.
Key Early Influences:
- Family: His uncle, Noor Ali Zadran (Afghanistan’s ODI captain), recognized his talent early.
- Training: Learned carrom ball and googly variations in Kabul’s dusty nets.
Career Breakdown: Records, Milestones, and Global Domination
International Debut and Records
Mujeeb burst onto the scene at 16, becoming the youngest male cricketer to debut in ODIs (December 2017 vs Ireland). Within months, he shattered records:
- Youngest to take a 5-wicket haul in ODIs (16 years 325 days vs Zimbabwe, 2018).
- First Afghan to play in the IPL (2018, Kings XI Punjab).
Career Milestones Table:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Figures | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 75 | 106 | 5/50 | 4.13 |
| T20I | 43 | 56 | 5/20 | 6.24 |
| First-Class | 12 | 44 | 6/37 | 2.89 |
Domestic Leagues: The T20 Globetrotter
Mujeeb’s unorthodox spin made him a T20 sensation. He’s played in the IPL, BBL, CPL, and The Hundred, earning the nickname “The Afghan Wizard.”
IPL Journey: Million-Dollar Contracts and 2025 Updates
Mujeeb’s IPL career began in 2018 when Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) signed him for ₹4 crore ($530,000). His debut season saw 14 wickets in 11 matches, including a 3/27 against Delhi Capitals.
IPL Performance Stats:
| Season | Team | Matches | Wickets | Economy | Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Punjab Kings | 11 | 14 | 6.99 | 4 Cr |
| 2020 | Punjab Kings | 3 | 2 | 8.94 | 4 Cr |
| 2021 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 1 | 1 | 5.00 | 1.5 Cr |
| 2024 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 9 | 12 | 7.45 | 2 Cr |
| 2025* | Rajasthan Royals | – | – | – | 3.2 Cr |
2025 Update: Rajasthan Royals acquired Mujeeb for ₹3.2 crore ($385,000) in the 2025 auction, banking on his recent success in the T20 World Cup (12 wickets at 6.1 economy).
Net Worth and Endorsements: The Financial Spin
Mujeeb’s net worth is estimated at $4.2 million (2025), fueled by:
- Cricket Earnings: $2.5 million (IPL, national contracts, leagues).
- Endorsements: $1.7 million from brands like ASICS, CEAT Tyres, and Afghan telecom giant Roshan.
Income Breakdown Table:
| Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| IPL (2018–2025) | $2.1 million |
| Afghanistan Contracts | $500,000 |
| T20 Leagues (BBL, CPL) | $900,000 |
| Endorsements | $1.7 million |
Personal Life: Quiet Philanthropy and Family Bonds
Despite fame, Mujeeb remains grounded. He:
- Funds cricket academies in Kabul and Jalalabad.
- Lives with his parents and siblings in Nangarhar.
- Rarely discusses politics, focusing on cricket as a “tool for Afghan unity.”
Recent Career Highlights (2023–2025)
- 2023 ODI World Cup: 18 wickets, including 4/25 vs Sri Lanka.
- 2024 T20 World Cup: Key role in Afghanistan’s semifinal run (Economy: 6.1).
- The Hundred 2024: 15 wickets for Manchester Originals (Best: 4/11).
Legacy: Inspiring a Generation
Mujeeb’s rise mirrors Afghanistan’s cricket journey—defying odds with audacity. As he eyes Test cricket (Afghanistan’s next frontier), his story is a testament to sport’s power to transcend borders.
Conclusion: The Spin Doctor’s Future
At 24, Mujeeb Ur Rahman is just beginning. With a new IPL chapter and Afghanistan’s Test ambitions, his flighted deliveries promise more magic. As he once said: “My dream is to see an Afghan child hold a ball and believe they can conquer the world.”
