11 Azmatullah Omarzai

A cornerstone of Afghanistan’s world-class all-round talent, Azmatullah Omarzai (born March 24, 2000) has rapidly evolved into one of the most sought-after white-ball cricketers in the world. Known for his ability to extract genuine swing with the new ball and his clinical “power-hitting” in the middle order, Omarzai has become a tactical necessity for any franchise seeking balance.

As of January 21, 2026, Omarzai is currently representing Afghanistan in a high-stakes T20I series against the West Indies. Fresh from a dominant stint in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025/26, where he amassed 151 runs and 6 wickets for the Sylhet Titans, he enters the IPL 2026 season as a key retained asset for the Punjab Kings (PBKS), valued at ₹2.4 Crore.

Azmatullah Omarzai: Career Profile & 2025–26 Global Rise

The “ODI Cricketer of the Year” Legacy

Omarzai’s stature reached a legendary peak on January 27, 2025, when he was officially named the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024. This award followed a transformative year where he led Afghanistan to their first-ever T20 World Cup semi-final and a historic Champions Trophy run, famously claiming a 5-wicket haul against England in February 2025.

IPL 2025: The Punjab Kings Transition

During the 2025 IPL season, Omarzai proved to be a master of the “middle-over squeeze.” Under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, he was often utilized as a partnership breaker.

• The “Finishing” Spark: His season was highlighted by an unbeaten 21* in a high-pressure chase, proving he could anchor the tail effectively.

• Retained for 2026: For the IPL 2026 season, Punjab Kings have confirmed his retention. With head coach Ricky Ponting focusing on “multi-skilled” players, Omarzai’s ability to swing the ball at 140 kmph and clear the ropes makes him a non-negotiable part of the PBKS XI.

ILT20 2025–26: The “Rashid Khan” Takedown

In December 2025, playing for the Gulf Giants in the ILT20, Omarzai produced one of the most talked-about innings of the season. He smashed an unbeaten 39 off just 16 balls* against MI Emirates, a knock that included three sixes in a single over against his national captain, Rashid Khan. This fearless approach has made him the most “box-office” Afghan batter after Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Azmatullah Omarzai: Consolidated Statistics

Data consolidated as of January 21, 2026.

IPL & Franchise T20 Performance

Recent International Highlights (Jan 2026 vs WI)

• 1st T20I (Sharjah): Claimed 2/26 and scored 18 (14) to lead Afghanistan’s defense.

• Form Factor: Ranked as the #1 All-Rounder in the ICC T20I and ODI rankings at various points throughout 2025.