Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first player from his country to win the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year award in the One-Day International (ODI) format. While Rashid Khan was named the ICC T20I Cricketer of the Decade in 2020, Omarzai is the first Afghan to claim an annual ICC award in any format.
Azmatullah Omarzai Cricketer Of The Year – Stellar Performance in 2024
Azmatullah Omarzai had an exceptional year in ODIs, showcasing his all-round skills. In 14 matches, he scored 417 runs at an average of 52 and a strike rate of 105, including one century and three half-centuries. His contributions with the ball were equally notable, picking up 17 wickets with two four-wicket hauls. These performances cemented his place among the top all-rounders in the format.
His efforts in 2024 earned him a spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year alongside fellow Afghans Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Allah Ghazanfar. The elite squad was led by Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka.
Also Read: Babar Azam Shines as the Only Pakistani in ICC T20I Team of the Year 2024
A Key Figure in Afghanistan’s Success
The 24-year-old played an instrumental role in Afghanistan’s unprecedented ODI streak in 2024, securing series wins against Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe. Omarzai’s performances were marked by consistency and match-winning contributions, including:
- An unbeaten 149 against Sri Lanka in Kandy to kick off the year.
- A decisive 80-ball 86 against South Africa in Sharjah that sealed a historic series win.
These efforts have established Azmatullah Omarzai as a core player in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket.
IPL Journey
Beyond his national team exploits, Omarzai made his mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024 with the Gujarat Titans. For the 2025 season, he has been signed by the Punjab Kings for ₹2.4 crore, reflecting his growing value as an all-rounder in global cricket.
Recognition in the ICC ODI Team of the Year
Omarzai’s inclusion in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year highlighted his contributions on the global stage. The full squad is as follows:
- Saim Ayub
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (WK)
- Charith Asalanka (C)
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Allah Ghazanfar
Also Read: Pakistani Stars Shine in ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024
Pioneering Afghanistan’s Global Cricket Success
Azmatullah Omarzai’s achievements in 2024, from individual brilliance to team successes, signify Afghanistan’s growing prominence in the cricketing world. His ICC recognition and inclusion in the ODI Team of the Year have set a new benchmark for Afghan cricket and inspired the next generation of players from the country.
