Hamid Hassan is a trailblazer, a pioneer, and arguably the first true fast-bowling star of Afghanistan. Born on June 1, 1987, in Nangarhar Province, Hamid was known for his military-style run-up, explosive pace, and passionate celebrations. In an era dominated by spin, he carried the pace attack of a young nation on his shoulders—and did so with tremendous pride and fire. He made his international debut in 2009, and quickly turned heads with his express pace, regularly bowling in excess of 140 km/h—something rare for an Associate nation at the time. His performances in tournaments like the 2010 and 2012 T20 World Cups established him as a global cricket cult figure, with fans loving both his raw talent and emotional intensity. Hamid played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s rise through the ICC divisions. One of his most memorable performances came in the 2009 ICC World Cup Qualifier, where he ended as Afghanistan’s highest wicket-taker and helped them secure ODI status. He was also instrumental in Afghanistan’s first-ever World Cup win in 2015, bowling with heart and bravery against top teams despite recurring injuries. His fierce commitment to Afghanistan’s cricketing cause often came at a physical price—Hamid battled numerous injuries throughout his career, including knee surgeries and muscle tears. But every comeback was fueled by unrelenting patriotism and belief in the team’s journey. In 2019, Hamid made an emotional return to play in the Cricket World Cup, donning his country’s colors one last time before retiring from ODIs. He broke down in tears after his final match, a powerful moment that underscored his deep connection with Afghan cricket and what it meant to represent his nation. Off the field, Hamid is deeply respected for his role in mentoring young pacers and setting the standard for fitness and intensity. He’s known to be patriotic to the core, often speaking about how cricket became a symbol of unity and resilience for war-torn Afghanistan. Hamid Hassan isn’t just a player—he’s a legend. For many fans, he will always be remembered as the fearless fast bowler who bowled his heart out for Afghanistan, even when few believed they belonged on the world stage.