From Nangarhar to Glasgow: Zainullah Ihsan Eyes Scotland ODI Debut
Afghan-born pacer Zainullah Ihsan, who reached Glasgow as a refugee in 2022, could win his first ODI cap for Scotland in the CWC League 2 tri-series.
By SportCricket Desk · 9 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
Zainullah Ihsan, the Afghanistan-born fast bowler, could make his ODI debut for Scotland in the upcoming CWC League 2 tri-series against Canada and the UAE.
An unlikely path
Ihsan arrived in Glasgow as a refugee in June 2022 with little English, having played mostly tape-ball cricket in Nangarhar. Two weeks later he found a local club and took four wickets on his debut there. Four years on, he is close to a 50-over cap for his adopted country.
Rise through the system
He has played twice for Scotland in T20 internationals and was in the squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. Without a conventional cricket pathway, he worked his way up through the club system, and his performances have persuaded the selectors he can also contribute in 50-over cricket.
Why the series matters
The tri-series is part of the qualification route for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, so every match counts for Scotland’s long-term campaign. For Ihsan personally, selection would add an ODI cap to his two T20I appearances and further cement his place in Scotland’s plans across formats.
Going from arriving in Glasgow as a refugee to a possible ODI debut in four years would be a notable story of determination, adaptation and talent.
