New Delhi: Between the new generation Afghanistan Cricketers, Azmatullah Omarjai has emerged as a beacon of Asha. Born in the Naragal district of Kunar province, Azmatullah grew up in an area where opportunities were rare and dreams were limited. He started his cricket journey on many streets, seems to be lucky to get up from ambiguity.
His introduction to cricket came at the age of 14, extended a moment of family pride in 2014. As he was sitting on seeing Bangladesh losing in the Asia Cup, his father asked if he wanted to chase the game. Azmatullah’s response was immediate. He loved cricket for years, respecting his skills in street matches with his elder brothers. On that day, his father’s approval set him on a path that would convert his raw talent into capacity.
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Starting as a batsman, Azmatullah impressed the local selectors with the ability to clean the ball with clean and purpose. By 2017, she had ‘debut’ for the Miss Anic region in the Gazi Amanullah Khan Regional ODI tournament, which performed her ability as an all -rounder. His performance gave him a place in the Under-19 World Cup squad in Afghanistan in 2018, where he hit eight sixes in four matches-a sign of a power-touching provu that would define his career.
Azmatullah’s international success came in January 2021 in an ODI against Ireland. In 2023, in 2023, Azmatullah’s breakout year was overched by veterans like Gulbadin Naib, he provided them with a powerful seam option to Afghanistan’s spin-wise bowling attack.
It was the 2023 ODI World Cup that actually announced his arrival. In India, Azmatullah emerged as a standout artist from Afghanistan, scored 353 runs and scored 70.6 runs on an average and took seven wickets in nine matches.
“I ever wanted me to play a game for the Afghanistan team. But once I joined the side, we realized that we have to give happiness to the people of our country. It is always in my mind when I take the field for Afghanistan.”
Along with the ball, his swing and misleading motion harassed the top level batsmen, who praised Sachin Tendulkar, who compared the status of his wrist to Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Praveen Kumar.
“Our players are very emotional. We do not say that we are a big team. We say that we can be better than our opponents on a given day. You can see our passion (passion) on the field,” Azmatullah said.
In January 2024, Azmatullah went to 19/3, facing Sri Lanka in an ODI, chasing a difficult 383. Hope was lost soon while reading 55/5 with the scoreboard. Nevertheless, with Mohammad Nabi, he shared a shocking 242 -run partnership, unbeaten on 149 off 115 balls. Although Afghanistan decreased, his innings was a will for his flexibility.
Performance received him an attractive IPL 2024 contract with Gujarat Titans, and later signed a deal of Rs 2.4 crore Punjab kings For IPL 2025,
Azmatullah’s heroines continued in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where her contribution with bat and balls helped Afghanistan reach their first semi -finals.
The 25 -year -old said, “No matter what the situation is, we just try to give our best and believe in our skills. Only one winning mentality helps internationally.”
Azmatullah’s form reached new heights in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Against England, he scored 41 runs in 31 balls and scored 5/58 runs to win a memorable win. Against Australia, he broke the 63-gent 67, although the rains denied a result. Crowning Moment was being named ICC Main OD Cricketer of the Year for 2024.
Outside the field, their calm performance inspires their comrades.
“I don’t think I am a big star. Rashid Khan is our biggest star, Mohammad Nabi. I have a good relationship with both. I learn a lot from them and want to take Afghan cricket to even more heights. I hope I can take care of my junior players, as they (Rashid and Nabi) have done in the year.”
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