The record-breaking Belgium-born Antum Naqvi is set to debut for Zimbabwe

Naqvi hit the headlines in the 2023/24 season with an innings of 300 not out for Rhinos against Tuskers in Harare, the first triple-hundred in the long history of the Logan Cup. This is also, to date, the only first-class triple-hundred by a Zimbabwean on home soil.

But Naqvi’s career has been far more than a one-off outing. His 1,871 runs have come at an average of 60.35, and include 14 fifty-plus scores in 34 innings. His off-breaks are potent enough for him to be classified as an all-rounder: In 24 games, he has fetched 62 wickets at 26.66. Now 27, Naqvi also has a fantastic record in List A cricket, and has done well in T20s as well.

Zimbabwe had included him for the 2024 home T20I series against India, but he did not get a game. He was also in the side for the Test against Afghanistan last year, but once again, did not make his debut. He is now part of the squad for the two-match Test series against Afghanistan and, going by reports, he is set to make his international debut.

Antum Naqvi by formats in domestic cricket

An unusual life for a Test cricketer

If he debuts, Naqvi will become the first male cricketer born in Belgium and the eighth born in mainland Europe, after “Buster” Nupen (Norway), Donald Carr, Paul Terry (both Germany), Ted Dexter (Italy), Amjad Khan (Denmark), and Dick Westcott and Moises Henriques (both Portugal), to play Test cricket.

The Asian-origin, Brussels-born Naqvi moved to Australia at the age of four, where he earned a commercial pilot’s licence. He then moved to Zimbabwe, where he hit 140 not out on his first-class debut for the Rhinos.