Cricket World Cup youngster Rahmanullah Gurbaz seen handing money out to random homeless people at 3am

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Afghanistan might have fallen just short of qualifying for the Cricket World Cup finals for the first time ever, but they’ve lost no friends in the process.

And not just because of their brilliance on the field — though that too has been groundbreaking for the minnow nation, which has in the past struggled to even qualify for the tournament, but proved their mettle with four wins from their nine matches in the 2023 tournament.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Afghanistan Cricket World Cup player’s random act of kindness.

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They remained in contention for the semi-finals until the dying stages of the group stage of the tournament, a big improvement from 2019’s last-placed finish with zero wins.

But if they hadn’t already won the cricket public over with their fighting spirit and genuine competitiveness out in the middle, Afghani youngster Rahmanullah Gurbaz has well and truly done it away from the Indian arenas.

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The 21-year-old was captured handing out free cash to homeless people sleeping on the streets of Ahmedabad at 3am in the morning.

The poverty-stricken people had no idea sheets of cash were being left in front of their closed eyes as Gurbaz made his way through a street heavily populated by homeless people and handed out the money, just ahead of India’s biggest holiday of the year, Diwali, which is their Festival of Lights.

Gurbaz played two seasons in the IPL, lacing up for the Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders, where he made just under $200,000 AUD.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz handing out money to the homeless. Credit: X

He was spotted doing the random act of kindness by Indian entertainer RJ Love Shah, who came out from his house to witness it, just hours before the Afghan team were due to fly home.

The Knight Riders shared the video of Gurbaz’s act, saying: “RJ Love Shah spotted @RGurbaz_21 near his home in Ahmedabad, quietly spreading some love ahead of Diwali, hours before the Afghanistan team returned home after their heartwarming World Cup journey ended on Friday night.”

Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 280 runs at an average of 31.11 during the tournament. Credit: AAP

Separately, they wrote: “From working tirelessly to raise money for the victims of the Herat Earthquake in Afghanistan earlier this month, to this act of kindness in a foreign land — you inspire us all. God bless you, Jaani.”

Breakout New Zealand star Rachin Ravindra, whose heritage is Indian, added his voice to the choir of praise for Gurbaz.

“These Afghanistan boys are pure gold, such kind-hearted cricketers,” he said.

“No wonder they are being loved so much in India. Winning hearts on and off the field in India.”