Zimbabwe batter Antum Naqvi is on the verge of making his long-awaited Test debut after being named in the squad for the two-match series against Afghanistan, starting November 5, 2026, in Sharjah. The 27-year-old all-rounder has an unusual journey to international cricket, having been born in Belgium, raised in Australia and developed his cricketing career in Zimbabwe.

With an outstanding first-class average of more than 60 and a record-breaking unbeaten triple century to his name, Naqvi is one of the most interesting selections in Zimbabwe’s latest Test squad. His inclusion also marks an important moment after several previous opportunities to represent the country were delayed by passport and eligibility-related paperwork.

Who is Antum Naqvi? Belgium-born cricketer with Pakistani roots

Born on April 5, 1999, in Brussels, Belgium, Antum Amir Naqvi comes from a family with Pakistani heritage. His family moved to Australia when he was just four years old, and he grew up in Sydney, where he completed his education and developed an interest in cricket.

Interestingly, cricket was not his only career ambition. Naqvi was fascinated by aircraft and dreamed of becoming a commercial pilot. After finishing school, he joined a flying school and spent around two-and-a-half to three years working towards his qualification. He eventually secured a commercial pilot’s licence.

For a period, he managed two demanding routines, flying aircraft in the morning and attending cricket training in the afternoon. However, his growing passion for cricket eventually took priority, and he decided to put his aviation career on hold to pursue professional cricket.

His journey towards Zimbabwe cricket began in Australia, where he played club cricket and came into contact with former Zimbabwe international Solomon Mire. Mire encouraged him to explore opportunities in Zimbabwe, eventually leading Naqvi to move there and pursue his international ambitions.

Antum Naqvi made an immediate impact in Zimbabwe domestic cricket

Naqvi’s arrival in Zimbabwean cricket was nothing short of impressive. He made his first-class debut for Mid West Rhinos in January 2023 and immediately announced himself with an unbeaten 140 against Tuskers. He also claimed five wickets in the same match, demonstrating his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.

His performances in the 2022-23 Logan Cup further established his reputation. Naqvi scored 379 runs in just five innings at an average of 94.75, including three centuries. He also picked up 18 wickets at an average of 24.44.

The following season brought an even bigger achievement. Naqvi smashed an unbeaten 300 off just 295 balls against Tuskers in the Logan Cup, becoming the first player to score a triple-century in Zimbabwe’s domestic cricket history. The remarkable innings remains the only first-class triple-century by a Zimbabwean batter on home soil.

His consistency also earned him the captaincy of Mid West Rhinos, highlighting the confidence the domestic setup has placed in him.

Antum Naqvi’s domestic cricket statistics

Naqvi’s numbers explain why Zimbabwe have continued to consider him for international cricket. Across first-class, List A and T20 formats, he has demonstrated impressive batting consistency and useful bowling ability.

Domestic career figures as listed in the available career records.

His first-class average of 60.35 is particularly impressive, especially considering that he has already scored six centuries and eight half-centuries in 24 matches. His highest score is 300 not out.

In List A cricket, he has maintained an average of 53.40, while his T20 strike rate of 136.85 highlights his ability to score quickly. With 62 first-class wickets and 54 wickets across white-ball formats, he offers Zimbabwe a valuable all-round option. Wisden+1

Why did Antum Naqvi’s international debut take so long?

Despite his impressive domestic performances, Naqvi had to wait considerably longer than expected for his international opportunity because of eligibility and passport-related issues.

Zimbabwe initially selected him for the T20I series against India in July 2024. However, he could not make his international debut because questions surrounding his passport and documentation remained unresolved.

His name appeared again in Zimbabwe’s squad for a one-off Test against Afghanistan in October 2025. Unfortunately, the paperwork situation continued to prevent him from making his first international appearance.

The situation has now changed. According to the latest squad announcement, Naqvi has fulfilled the ICC’s eligibility criteria and is cleared to represent Zimbabwe. His inclusion in the November 2026 Test squad finally brings him closer to fulfilling his international cricket dream. Uni India+1

Antum Naqvi could make history with Zimbabwe

If Naqvi makes his Test debut against Afghanistan, he will become the first Belgium-born male cricketer to represent a country in Test cricket.

He would also become the eighth Test cricketer born in mainland Europe, joining a relatively small group that includes Ted Dexter, who was born in Italy, Amjad Khan, born in Denmark, and Donald Carr and Paul Terry, both born in Germany.

Another interesting connection is his brother, Awad Naqvi, who is also a professional cricketer. Awad previously played domestic cricket in Zimbabwe but has been featuring in Pakistan’s first-class cricket setup. He is associated with the Markhors IT team.

The brothers’ cricketing journeys across different countries make the Naqvi family an interesting part of Zimbabwe’s evolving cricket story.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Test series: Schedule and squad

Zimbabwe will face Afghanistan in a two-match Test series in Sharjah. The first Test begins on November 5, while the second match is scheduled to start on November 13. Both matches will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Uni India+1

Zimbabwe have handed the captaincy to 22-year-old Brian Bennett in the absence of regular skipper Richard Ngarava, who is recovering from a back injury. Experienced players Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine are also part of the squad.

Veteran leg-spinner Graeme Cremer has earned a Test recall after nearly nine years, having last played the format in December 2017.

Zimbabwe squad for Afghanistan Tests: Brian Bennett (captain), Antum Naqvi, Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Graeme Cremer, Innocent Kaia, Ernest Masuku, Kundai Matigimu, Newman Nyamhuri, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza and Wessly Madhevere.

For Naqvi, the Afghanistan series represents much more than another cricket assignment. After moving between countries, earning a pilot’s licence and building an impressive domestic record, he is finally close to achieving his dream of playing international cricket. Zimbabwe will hope his batting and off-spin can provide an additional dimension to their Test team.

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