Afghanistan off-spinner Mohammad Nabi on Saturday (September 7) announced his retirement from red-ball cricket after the ongoing one-off Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.

In a video statement released by the Afghanistan Cricket Board, Nabi confirmed his decision.

"Test cricket is an important format that every cricketer wants to play," Nabi said.

"I have served Afghanistan for the last 18 years. It was my dream as well to help Afghanistan obtain Test status and that dream is realised now. We have a maximum of 1-2 Test per year and I want, instead of me, that a young player gets to play, since the emerging youngsters are playing well in domestic cricket. I want them to get the chance they deserve so that we have a good Test team in the future as well," he added.

The 34-year-old Nabi also clarified that he will continue to represent his nation in limited-overs cricket.

"I will strive to play ODIs and T20Is for Afghanistan as long as I am able to," he said.

Nabi has played a key role in Afghanistan's rise as an international side. He has featured in 121 one-day internationals and 68 Twenty20 internationals.

Having made his Test debut in Afghanistan’s first-ever match against India in 2018, Nabi also helped his side record their maiden win in the longest-format against Ireland in Dehradun earlier this year.