Azmatullah Omarzai

Biography

Azmatullah Omarzai, born on March 24, 2000, in Kunar, Afghanistan, is a prominent cricketer known for his all-round abilities as a right-handed batsman and right-arm fast-medium bowler.

Early Life and Domestic Career

Omarzai began playing cricket at the age of 14.

He made his List A debut for Mis Ainak Region in the 2017 Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One-Day Tournament on August 10, 2017. His first-class debut followed on March 25, 2018, for Speen Ghar Region in the Ahmad Shah Abdali 4-day Tournament. In September 2018, he was drafted by Paktia Panthers for the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League, marking his entry into T20 cricket.

International Career

Omarzai's international journey commenced in January 2021 when he debuted in One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Ireland. He made his T20 International debut on March 3, 2022, against Bangladesh. In December 2024, he earned his first Test cap against Zimbabwe.

Notable Achievements

In January 2025, Omarzai was honored with the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year award for 2024, recognizing his exceptional performances.

During the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, he delivered a standout performance against England, securing five wickets for 58 runs, leading Afghanistan to a historic victory and eliminating England from the tournament.

Playing Style and Future Prospects

As an all-rounder, Omarzai brings balance to the Afghan team with his aggressive batting and effective pace bowling. His rapid rise in international cricket underscores his potential to become a pivotal figure in Afghanistan's cricketing future.