Ishan Kishan Copies Afghanistan Players, Begins Speech With 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem' At ACB's Event
Indian cricketer Ishan Kishan's heartfelt 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem' opening at an Afghanistan Cricket Board dinner in Delhi has gone viral, capturing global attention. The 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batter praised Afghan players and highlighted the strong bonds formed through IPL experiences, particularly with Mohammad Nabi.
Indian cricketer Ishan Kishan has once again captured hearts, this time off the field, with a widely circulated video showing him beginning his speech with the revered Islamic phrase 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem' at a special dinner hosted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for the Indian team. The heartwarming gesture, which occurred after India secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing three-match T20I series, has resonated deeply with fans, highlighting the growing camaraderie between the two cricketing nations. Delhi Weather Forecast and Rain Chances for India vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I 2026.
Ishan Kishan Begins ACB Event Speech With ‘Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem’
The dinner, a gesture of goodwill and sportsmanship, took place in New Delhi on September 16, 2026, following the second T20I. Kishan, who turned 28 on July 18 this year, used the opportunity to laud the Afghan players, emphasizing the strong bonds forged through their shared experiences in franchise cricket, particularly the Indian Premier League (IPL).
A Gesture of Mutual Respect
During his address, Kishan specifically recalled his time playing alongside veteran Afghan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi at Mumbai Indians, crediting Nabi for his invaluable assistance during batting sessions. "It is always enjoyable playing against them (Afghanistan) because many of us have also played together in the IPL, and we know what wonderful human beings they are," Kishan stated, further adding, "There is always something to learn from them. In particular, I played with Nabi Bhai at the Mumbai Indians, and he helped me a lot during batting sessions."
The wicketkeeper-batter also commended the Afghanistan team's relentless "hunger and determination" on the field, noting their energetic approach and constant pursuit of wickets, which makes them formidable opponents.
India-Afghanistan T20I Series 2026 at a Glance
This dinner was a highlight amidst a tightly contested three-match T20 International series where Afghanistan is the designated host, though all matches are being played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi due to security considerations. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Named in India Squad for West Indies Series; Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi Also Included.
| Match | Date | Time (IST) | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | September 13, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi | India Won |
| 2nd T20I | September 15, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi | India Won |
| 3rd T20I | September 17, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi | Upcoming |
India, under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer for this series, has already clinched the series with victories in the first two encounters. Ishan Kishan himself played a significant role in the second T20I, contributing an unbeaten 38 runs off just 23 balls to help India chase down a target of 160.
Kishan's thoughtful gesture not only provided a memorable moment off the pitch but also underscored the deep respect and friendship that transcends cricketing rivalries, further cementing the bond between players from both nations.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 17, 2026 10:55 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).