Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai named ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024

Azmatullah Omarzai scored 417 ODI runs in 2024.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Monday, January 27, 2025 announced the winner of the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024. Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah received the award for his outstanding performances, leading his team to remarkable series wins against Bangladesh and South Africa in the last year.

In 2024, test cricket and T20Is took center stage, while the 50-over format saw limited action. Major test-playing nations focused on preparing for the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup in June before turning their attention to test cricket to secure a spot in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 final.

Afghanistan had an unforgettable 2024. The Asian underdogs reached the T20 World Cup semi-finals with a win over heavyweights Australia. Their ODI performances were equally impressive, with young stars like Azmatullah Omarzai and AM Ghazanfar leading them to memorable series victories around the globe.

Azmatullah Omarzai’s performance in 2024

Batting in the middle order, Azmatullah Omarzai had a standout year in 2024. The 24-year-old ended the year as Afghanistan’s second-highest run-scorer after Rahmanullah Gurbaz and the second-highest wicket-taker behind AM Ghazanfar.

He scored 417 runs at an average of 50.02 and took 17 wickets at an average of 20 in 14 ODIs in 2024. He played a key role in Afghanistan’s four ODI series wins during the year.

He recorded his highest score of the year against Sri Lanka, top-scoring with an unbeaten 149 in a losing cause. His 86 off 50 balls against South Africa was another standout performance, helping Afghanistan secure a memorable win.

Omarzai was just as effective with the ball and delivered a match-winning performance in the series decider against Bangladesh in Sharjah. He took 4/37, including three late wickets, to seal the series for Afghanistan.

Speaking to the ICC, Omarzai expressed his gratitude for receiving the award. He emphasized that while it’s a big achievement for him, he hopes it will inspire more kids to take up the sport.

Omarzai said, “I am feeling very excited and proud to win the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024. This is a big achievement for me and my country, and I hope it motivates more kids to dream and play cricket.“

Drawn in a tough group of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, Afghanistan will rely heavily on their star all-rounder to deliver if they have to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.

Afghanistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy campaign against South Africa on February 21, followed by matches against England on February 26 and Australia on February 28.

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