Azmatullah Omarzai, the emerging all-rounder from Afghanistan, has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first Afghanistan player to win the prestigious International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's Cricketer of the Year award in the ODI format. While Rashid Khan previously made headlines in 2020 by winning the Men's T20I Cricketer of the Decade award, Omarzai’s achievement marks a significant milestone for Afghanistan in international cricket, as he becomes the first player from the country to earn this yearly honour in any format.
Omarzai’s performance in 2024 was nothing short of exceptional, establishing himself as one of the best all-rounders in the format. Over the course of 14 matches, he scored 417 runs at an impressive strike rate of 105 and an average of 52, showcasing his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. His tally included a century and three fifties, further solidifying his position as a key player for Afghanistan. But his contributions were not limited to just batting; he also proved his worth with the ball, taking 17 wickets, including two remarkable four-wicket hauls.
His outstanding all-round performance throughout the year played a crucial part in Afghanistan’s success in ODI cricket, with the team securing four consecutive series victories against Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe. Omarzai’s ability to perform in all aspects of the game was pivotal in Afghanistan's rise as a formidable force in world cricket.
Omarzai’s inclusion in the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year further underscores his importance to the Afghanistan cricket team. Joining him in the prestigious team were fellow Afghanistan players Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Allah Ghazanfar. The team, captained by Sri Lanka's Charith Asalanka, also featured cricketing stars like Saim Ayub, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Sherfane Rutherford, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf.
Among his standout performances, one of the most memorable was his unbeaten 149 against Sri Lanka in Kandy, which set the tone for a successful year. Another iconic knock came against South Africa, where Omarzai played a blistering 80-ball 86 to help Afghanistan secure a historic series win in Sharjah.
Beyond international cricket, Omarzai has been a regular presence in top T20 leagues, further showcasing his talents on the global stage. He made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut with Gujarat Titans in 2024, and his impressive performances earned him a move to Punjab Kings for IPL 2025, where he was bought for Rs 2.4 crore in the auction. This move marks an exciting new chapter in Omarzai’s career, as he looks to make an impact in one of the world’s most competitive T20 leagues.
At just 24 years old, Omarzai's journey is just beginning, and with his all-round abilities, he is poised to become one of the leading players in world cricket for years to come. His ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year award is a fitting recognition of his immense talent and contribution to the game, and it serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers in Afghanistan and around the world.
