Azmatullah Omarzai, a beacon for Afghanistan’s GenNext | Cricket Information – The Instances of India

NEW DELHI: Among the many new era of Afghanistan cricketers, Azmatullah Omarzai has emerged as a beacon of hope. Born in Nurgal district of Kunar Province, Azmatullah grew up in a area the place alternatives had been scarce and desires restricted. He started his cricketing journey on these very streets, seemingly destined to rise from obscurity.
His introduction to cricket got here on the age of 14, sparked by a second of familial pleasure in 2014. As he sat watching Afghanistan defeat Bangladesh within the Asia Cup, his father requested if he wished to pursue the sport. Azmatullah’s response was quick. He had cherished cricket for years, honing his expertise in avenue matches along with his elder brothers. That day, his father’s approval set him on a path that will rework his uncooked expertise into potential.
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Beginning as a batter, Azmatullah impressed native selectors along with his potential to strike the ball cleanly and bowl with goal. By 2017, he had made his Record ‘A’ debut for Mis Ainak Area within the Ghazi Amanullah Khan regional one-day match, showcasing his potential as an allrounder. His performances earned him a spot in Afghanistan’s U-19 World Cup squad in 2018, the place he smashed eight sixes in 4 video games – an indication of the power-hitting prowess that will outline his profession.
Azmatullah’s worldwide breakthrough got here in January 2021, in an ODI towards Eire. Initially overshadowed by veterans like Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah’s breakout yr in 2023 noticed him present Afghanistan’s spin-reliant bowling assault with a potent seam choice.

It was the 2023 ODI World Cup that really introduced his arrival. In India, Azmatullah emerged as Afghanistan’s standout performer, scoring 353 runs at a mean of 70.6 and selecting up seven wickets throughout 9 matches.
“All I ever wished was to play one sport for the Afghanistan workforce. However as soon as I joined the aspect, it felt that now we have to present pleasure to our nation’s individuals. That’s all the time on my thoughts once I take the sector for Afghanistan,” Azmatullah instructed TOI.
With the ball, his swing and misleading tempo troubled top-tier batsmen, incomes reward from Sachin Tendulkar, who likened his wrist place to that of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Praveen Kumar.
“Our gamers are very passionate. We don’t say that we’re a giant workforce. We are saying that we will be higher than our opponents on a given day. You may see our junoon (ardour) on the sector,” Azmatullah mentioned.
In January 2024, going through Sri Lanka in an ODI, Azmatullah walked in at 19/3, chasing a frightening 383. With the scoreboard quickly studying 55/5, hope appeared misplaced. But, alongside Mohammad Nabi, he cast a staggering 242-run partnership, ending unbeaten on 149 off 115 balls. Although Afghanistan fell quick, his innings was a testomony to his resilience.
The efficiency earned him a profitable IPL 2024 contract with Gujarat Titans, and later a Rs 2.4 crore take care of Punjab Kings for IPL 2025.
Azmatullah’s heroics continued within the 2024 T20 World Cup, the place his contributions with bat and ball helped Afghanistan attain their first-ever semifinal.
“It doesn’t matter what the state of affairs is, we simply attempt to give our greatest and have immense perception in our expertise. Solely a successful mentality helps on the worldwide degree,” mentioned the 25-year-old.
Azmatullah’s kind reached new heights within the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. In opposition to England, he scored 41 off 31 balls and took 5/58 to safe a memorable win. In opposition to Australia, he smashed a 63-ball 67, although rain denied a end result. The crowning second was being named ICC Males’s ODI Cricketer of the 12 months for 2024.
Off the sector, his calm manner conjures up his teammates.
“I don’t really feel I’m a giant star. Rashid Khan is our largest star, additionally Mohammad Nabi. I’ve a very good bonding with each of them. I study lots from them and wish to take Afghan cricket to even larger heights. I hope I can handle my junior gamers, as they (Rashid and Nabi) have achieved for me over time,” Azmatullah mentioned.