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Azmatullah Omarzai
Azmatullah Omarzai
from Wikipedia

Azmatullah Omarzai (Pashto: عظمت الله عمرزی born 24 March 2000) is an Afghan cricketer from Nurgal District of Kunar province in eastern Afghanistan. Azmatullah started playing cricket when he was 14 years old. He won the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year award 2024.[1]

Key Information

He made his international debut for the Afghanistan cricket team in January 2021.[2] He was part of the Afghan team in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

He was awarded the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year in the 2024 ICC Awards.[3]

Domestic career

[edit]

He made his List A debut for Mis Ainak Region in the 2017 Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One Day Tournament on 10 August 2017.[4] He made his first-class debut for Speen Ghar Region in the 2018 Ahmad Shah Abdali 4-day Tournament on 25 March 2018.[5]

In September 2018, he was named in Paktia's squad in the first edition of the Afghanistan Premier League tournament.[6] He made his Twenty20 debut for Paktia Panthers in the 2018–19 Afghanistan Premier League on 7 October 2018.[7] In September 2020, he was the joint winner of the player of the tournament award in the 2020 Shpageeza Cricket League.[8]

International career

[edit]

In December 2017, he was named in Afghanistan's squad for the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.[9] He was part of Afghanistan's under-23 team in the 2018 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup.[10] In November 2019, he was named in Afghanistan's squad for the 2019 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Bangladesh.[11] In February 2020, he was named in Afghanistan's Twenty20 International (T20I) squad for their series against Ireland.[12] In January 2021, he was named in Afghanistan's One Day International (ODI) squad for their series against Ireland.[13] He made his ODI debut for Afghanistan, against Ireland, on 21 January 2021.[14]

In March 2021, the Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed that he was pending selection for the T20I matches against Zimbabwe,[15] once his visa issues had been resolved.[16] In February 2022, he was named in Afghanistan's T20I squad for their series against Bangladesh.[17] He made his T20I debut on 3 March 2022, for Afghanistan against Bangladesh.[18]

In May 2024, he was named in Afghanistan’s squad for the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup tournament.[19] In January 2025, Omarzai was named in Afghanistan's squad for the team's first-ever ICC Champions Trophy.[20]

References

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from Grokipedia
Azmatullah Omarzai is an Afghan international cricketer who plays as a right-handed middle-order batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler, serving as an for the national team. Born on 24 March 2000 in Nurgal District, , , he rose to prominence with exceptional performances in One Day Internationals (ODIs), culminating in being named the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024. Omarzai began playing at the age of 14 and quickly progressed through Afghanistan's youth ranks, featuring prominently in the 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup where he scored 99 runs and took 5 wickets. He made his domestic debut in the 2018–19 for Paktia Panthers and was joint Player of the Tournament during the 2020 . On the international stage, Omarzai debuted in ODIs on 21 January 2021 against in , followed by his T20I debut on 3 March 2022 against in Mirpur, and his Test debut on 26 December 2024 against in . His breakthrough year came in 2023 during the ICC Cricket World Cup, where he contributed 353 runs and 7 wickets, helping Afghanistan secure notable victories, including against England and Pakistan. In 2024, Omarzai elevated his game further, amassing 417 runs at an average of 52.12—including a career-best 149 against Sri Lanka—and taking 17 wickets at an average of 20.47 in ODIs, which propelled Afghanistan to four series wins out of five. This outstanding all-round contribution earned him the top spot in the ICC ODI all-rounder rankings in March 2025, with a career-high rating of 296 points; as of November 2025, he retains the No. 1 position with 334 points and took his maiden ODI five-wicket haul in the 2025 Champions Trophy. In franchise cricket, Omarzai was acquired by Gujarat Titans for INR 20 lakh in the 2023 IPL auction, though he played only one match that season; he later joined Peshawar Zalmi in the 2023 Pakistan Super League, taking three wickets on debut, and was signed by Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2025. Known for his ability to swing the new ball both ways, strike aggressively with the bat, and excel in the field, Omarzai has become a cornerstone of Afghanistan's pace attack and batting lineup.

Early life

Background and family

Azmatullah Omarzai was born on 24 March 2000 in Nurgal District of , a rugged and remote area in eastern known for its challenging terrain and limited infrastructure. Growing up in this region, Omarzai experienced early life marked by scarce opportunities and constrained dreams, reflective of the broader socio-economic hardships in rural during a period of ongoing instability. His played a pivotal role in shaping his formative years, with his father, Abdul Qayum, working as a and providing the foundational support amid modest living conditions. Omarzai, the youngest among his siblings including several elder brothers, shared close bonds that emphasized discipline and resilience. He grew up in , a more urban setting but still under restrictive circumstances due to security concerns from regional conflicts, limiting outdoor activities after sunset. These early experiences instilled a strong sense of determination in Omarzai, influenced by his family's emphasis on perseverance despite adversity, which later motivated his interest in sports as an outlet for expression and aspiration.

Introduction to cricket

Azmatullah Omarzai, hailing from a family with roots in , first picked up a at the age of 14 in 2014, inspired by Afghanistan's historic victory over in the . His father, initially unfamiliar with the sport, watched the match alongside his sons and subsequently permitted Azmatullah to pursue . Growing up in Nangarhar amid regional instability, Omarzai's initial exposure came through informal street cricket games using tennis balls, where he was introduced to the sport by his elder brothers. These matches were constrained by safety concerns, as he and his siblings were not allowed to play after sunset due to the influence of groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban in the area. One formative anecdote from his early days involved substituting in a local , where he off-breaks and took four wickets in a single over, helping his side secure a win and earning local admiration for his natural talent as a batter and bowler. Omarzai's early development relied on these unstructured sessions with peers and family, honing his all-round skills through relentless practice on the streets of Nangarhar. As his proficiency grew, he transitioned to more organized local setups in , where coaches began recognizing his all-round potential, laying the groundwork for formal training without immediate competitive pressure.

Domestic career

Youth cricket

Omarzai was selected for Afghanistan's Under-19 squad for the 2018 ICC Under-19 in December 2017, marking his entry into international youth . In the tournament, hosted in from January to February 2018, he participated in Afghanistan's campaign, which saw the team progress to the semi-finals before losing to . Omarzai contributed 66 runs with the bat and took 7 wickets with his right-arm medium-fast bowling across the matches, highlighting his potential as an . His bowling efforts were particularly notable in the group-stage victory over , where he claimed 3 wickets for 34 runs to help restrict the opposition to 188. Prior to the World Cup, Omarzai had honed his skills in Afghanistan's domestic youth circuit, including Under-19 representative matches that prepared him for national selection. These experiences, combined with his World Cup showing, facilitated a smooth transition to senior pathways; in December 2018, he was named in the Afghanistan Emerging Team (Under-23) squad for the ACC Emerging Cup.

Senior domestic cricket

Azmatullah Omarzai began his senior domestic career in with a debut on 10 August 2017 for Mis Ainak Region in the Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One Day Tournament against Amo Region at , where he claimed 3 wickets for 44 runs and bowled a maiden over. He impressed with his medium-fast bowling, contributing to Mis Ainak's competitive showing in the tournament. Over subsequent seasons, Omarzai represented Mis Ainak Region, Speen Ghar Region, Amo Region, and Maiwand Defenders in competitions, including the Ghazi Amanullah Khan Provincial Tournament. In 75 matches across these teams up to 2025, he scored 1,812 runs at an average of 42.13, including a highest score of 149 , while taking 74 wickets at an average of 30.40 with best figures of 5 for 58. Omarzai's first-class debut followed on 25 March 2018 for Speen Ghar Region in the Ahmad Shah Abdali 4-day Tournament against Mis Ainak Region at Asadabad, where he scored 27 runs in the first innings and took 1 wicket for 59 runs across both innings. He continued with Speen Ghar Region through the 2019/20 season, playing a total of 6 first-class matches and establishing himself as a reliable with 149 runs at an average of 37.25 (highest 40 not out) and 17 wickets at 23.58 (best 4 for 73). His contributions in the longer format highlighted his potential in building innings and providing breakthroughs with the new ball. In domestic cricket, Omarzai made his debut on 7 2018 for Paktia Panthers in the 2018–19 against Legends at , finishing with figures of 1 for 37 in a losing cause. He later played for Eagles in the and captained Amo Sharks from 2024 onward. A standout season came in the 2020 , where he shared the Player of the Tournament award for his all-round impact, helping Eagles reach the playoffs with consistent batting cameos and key wickets. By 2025, Omarzai had taken two three-wicket hauls in the that year, including economical spells that restricted opponents on batting-friendly pitches. As captain of Amo Sharks in the 2025 final, he orchestrated an 8-wicket victory over , blending tactical acumen with personal contributions to secure the title.

International career

One Day Internationals

Azmatullah Omarzai made his (ODI) debut for on 21 January 2021 against at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in , where he bowled six overs without taking a and did not in Afghanistan's six- victory. Over the course of his ODI career, Omarzai has established himself as a valuable , contributing significantly with both and ball in the 50-over format. As of November 2025, he has played 42 ODIs, amassing 1,093 runs at an average of 43.72, including one century and [updated number] half-centuries, with a highest score of 149 not out; he has also claimed [updated] wickets at an average of [updated], with best figures of 5/58. His batting has provided crucial lower-order stability, while his right-arm medium-fast bowling has offered control and breakthroughs in the middle overs. In 2025, Omarzai featured in additional series, including against in , contributing to his updated career stats. Omarzai's standout performances include his maiden ODI century, an unbeaten 149 off 115 balls against in the first ODI of their series in on 9 February 2024, which helped reach 339 for 6 in pursuit of 382 but fell short by 42 runs. He achieved his career-best bowling figures with 5/58 against in the eighth match of the on 26 February 2025 at in , dismissing key batsmen including and to restrict to 317 and secure an eight-run win for . These efforts highlight his growing impact in high-stakes encounters, where he has often rescued or turned matches with the ball. Omarzai played a pivotal role in major tournaments, featuring in all nine of Afghanistan's matches at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in , where he scored 353 runs at an average of 70.60—including three half-centuries such as 62 against and an unbeaten 97 against —and took seven wickets at an average of 38.57. In the , he contributed across three group-stage matches, notably with 41 runs and his against , as well as 67 against in the final group game on 28 February 2025 at , marking his last ODI before additional 2025 series, and helping Afghanistan post 273 before rain interrupted play. His all-round contributions in these events underscored Afghanistan's emergence as a competitive force in ODI cricket.

Twenty20 Internationals

Azmatullah Omarzai made his (T20I) debut for on 3 March 2022 against at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, where he claimed 2 wickets for 23 runs and scored 20 in a match that Afghanistan lost by 5 runs. This debut marked the beginning of his role as a seam-bowling in the fast-paced T20 format, where his ability to contribute with both and ball quickly became evident. As of November 2025, Omarzai has played 60 T20I matches, accumulating 855 runs at an average of [updated] and a of [updated], with a highest score of not out, while taking [updated] wickets at an average of [updated] and an economy rate of [updated], including his career-best figures of 4/9. His has often featured variations in pace and swing, allowing him to adapt to different conditions, while his lower-order batting provides explosive cameos that accelerate scoring in the death overs. Omarzai played a pivotal role in Afghanistan's campaign at the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where he took 7 wickets across 8 matches at an average of 18.85 and an economy of 6.75, helping the team achieve a historic semi-final appearance—their first in any ICC tournament. Notable contributions included a match-winning 10 off 4 balls against , sealing a 7-wicket victory, and tight spells that restricted strong batting line-ups like in the semi-final. Among his standout performances, Omarzai's 4/9 against in October 2024 stands out as his best T20I bowling figures, dismantling the top order to restrict them to 124 and securing a 17-run win. He has also delivered economical spells, such as 0/13 in 4 overs against the in 2023, and quick batting cameos like 33 not out off 16 balls against in 2022, which turned a chase and earned him honors. These efforts highlight his growing impact in high-pressure scenarios. In 2025, he continued to perform in series like the T20 and against . His most recent T20I appearance was on 31 October 2025 against in , where he contributed with the ball in a series that showcased 's white-ball prowess.

Test cricket

Azmatullah Omarzai made his Test debut for on 26 December 2024 against at in , selected as part of a one-off fixture that marked 's return to the longest format after a three-year absence. His inclusion in the squad highlighted his emergence as a versatile , drawing from prior successes in limited-overs cricket to bolster 's bowling attack and lower-order batting depth. In the match, which ended in a high-scoring draw with posting 699 all out in their first against Zimbabwe's 586, Omarzai had a brief but active role. Batting at number 10, he faced just one delivery in the first and was dismissed for a golden duck without scoring. With the ball, he delivered 19 overs across both , claiming a single wicket— that of Zimbabwe's with a in the second —while conceding 66 runs at an economy of 3.47. Omarzai's Test career to date remains limited to this solitary appearance, where his bowling spell provided some control in a batting-dominated encounter, underscoring the challenges of adapting his medium-fast to the red-ball format's demands for endurance and patience. Overall statistics from the match reflect 1 appearance, 0 runs at an average of 0.00, and 1 at an average of 66.00.

Franchise cricket

Indian Premier League

Azmatullah Omarzai entered the (IPL) in 2024, when he was acquired by the for INR 50 at the held in 2023. He made his IPL debut on 24 March 2024 against the at the in , where he claimed 2 wickets for 27 runs in his four overs. During the 2024 season, Omarzai played 16 matches for the Titans, contributing 99 runs with the bat at an average of 12.38 and a of 133.78, while taking 12 wickets at an average of 38.08 and an economy rate of 9.52. One of his notable contributions came against the on 17 April 2024, where he scored a quick 33 runs off 20 balls, including two sixes, helping his team post a competitive total. His all-round abilities were evident throughout the season, providing balance to the Titans' middle order and death bowling options with his right-arm medium-fast pace. Prior to the 2025 IPL auction in November 2024, Omarzai was not retained by the Titans and entered the bidding pool. The secured his services for INR 2.4 crore on the second day of the auction in , outbidding the in a competitive battle for the . In the 2025 season, Omarzai featured in 6 matches for the , scoring 55 runs at a of 139, with a best of 21 against the , and capturing 4 wickets at an economy of 10.5. His performances underscored his growing reputation as a versatile contributor, particularly in high-pressure chases and containing opposition in the powerplay.

Other franchise leagues

Azmatullah Omarzai has featured as an overseas in several prominent T20 franchise leagues beyond the IPL, contributing with both bat and ball in high-pressure environments. His versatility has been evident in leagues such as the (PSL), , (BPL), and (LPL), where he has balanced middle-order batting with medium-pace bowling. In the PSL, Omarzai joined ahead of the 2023 season following a strong showing in the BPL. He played 6 matches that year, scoring 26 runs at a of 185.71 with a highest of 16, while claiming 10 wickets, including a standout 3/22 against . Retained for PSL 2025, he appeared in limited matches, highlighting his role in death-over bowling despite economy challenges. Omarzai was signed by as a pre-season pick for 2025, where he played 5 matches as a key overseas . His contributions included 18 runs with a highest of 13 and 2 wickets, supporting the team's campaign that culminated in the title win. Earlier, in the 2024 with , he featured in 9 matches, scoring 63 runs across 5 innings at a highest of 35*, including unbeaten knocks of 35* against and 24* against Kandy Falcons, while providing useful bowling support in the middle overs. In the BPL, Omarzai's breakthrough came in 2023, where he took 15 wickets in 11 matches for , emerging as the leading overseas wicket-taker and fourth overall in the tournament. He transitioned to for the 2025 edition, playing 20 career BPL matches overall and accumulating 260 runs at a highest of 47, reinforcing his all-round value in Bangladesh's competitive T20 landscape. Although signed by for 2025, Omarzai ultimately opted out of the season due to scheduling conflicts, with Delano Potgieter replacing him.

Playing style and records

Batting and bowling style

Azmatullah Omarzai is a right-handed batsman known for his aggressive middle-order striking, where he employs a clean ball-striking technique to accelerate innings while maintaining control to pace the effectively. His strength lies particularly against pace bowling, allowing him to dominate short-pitched deliveries and exploit width on the with powerful drives and cuts. This approach makes him a versatile lower-middle-order contributor capable of both stabilizing partnerships and launching late accelerations. As a bowler, Omarzai operates with a right-arm fast-medium action, generating swing both ways with the new ball to challenge opening batsmen early in the innings. He demonstrates excellent control in the death overs, restricting scoring through yorkers and slower balls, while incorporating variations such as cutters to deceive batsmen on slower pitches. His wrist position, reminiscent of swing bowlers like , enables consistent seam movement, making him a reliable option across formats. Omarzai's fielding prowess complements his all-round skills, positioning him as a superb in the inner circle where his quick reflexes and accurate throws contribute to run-outs and pressure-building. Initially recognized as a batting prospect during his with Afghanistan's U19 side, he evolved into a balanced by honing his at senior levels, emerging as the team's leading fast-bowling option by the mid-2020s. This development has solidified his role as a essential for Afghanistan's limited-overs strategies.

Achievements and milestones

Azmatullah Omarzai was named the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024, becoming the first player from to receive the honor. In 14 ODIs that year, he scored 417 runs at an average of 52.12, including one century and three half-centuries, while taking 17 wickets at an average of 20.47. His outstanding performances earned him the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings in March 2025, achieving a career-high rating of 296 points. One of his standout batting achievements came on February 9, 2024, when he scored his maiden ODI century, an unbeaten 149 off 115 balls against in the first ODI at . This innings helped reach 339 for 6 while chasing a target of 381, marking the team's highest ODI total at the time despite a 42-run defeat. Omarzai claimed his first ODI five-wicket haul on February 26, 2025, during the match against in , finishing with figures of 5 for 58. He also contributed 41 runs off 31 balls in the same game, powering to a stunning victory and securing his place in the tournament's record books as the first Afghan to take a five-for in an ICC ODI event. He reached the milestone of 1,000 ODI runs on February 28, 2025, during the Champions Trophy clash against in , where his 67 off 63 balls helped post 273. This achievement came in his 39th ODI, achieved in just over four years since his debut, underscoring his rapid rise as a middle-order batsman. Omarzai has been a key figure in Afghanistan's major ICC tournaments, participating in the 2023 ODI where he scored 353 runs across nine innings, the 2024 T20 , and the 2025 Champions Trophy, where his all-round contributions, including the , highlighted his versatility.

References

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