Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, born on 25 June 2003 in Kabul, Afghanistan, is a right‑handed batsman and right‑arm medium bowler who represents Afghanistan at international level. He first came to prominence when he was named in Afghanistan’s squad for the 2022 Under‑19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, signalling his potential among the nation’s emerging talents.
He has played domestic cricket for Hindukush Stars, Kabul Eagles and Boost Defenders, making his List A, Twenty20 and first‑class debuts during 2022. Ahmadzai earned his senior T20I cap against Ireland on 15 March 2024 and, as of the October–November 2026 period, has featured in three T20Is, scoring 104 runs with a top score of 52.
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai: quick facts
- Birthplace: Kabul
- Team: Afghanistan
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai’s early life
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai was born on 25 June 2003 in Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan. Growing up in a region where cricket has steadily gained popularity, he was introduced to the sport at a young age and quickly displayed an aptitude for both batting and bowling, which set the foundation for his later development as a cricketer.
Although specific details of his family background and education are not recorded, his progression through local cricket structures led to his selection for Afghanistan’s Under‑19 squad for the 2022 World Cup. This early recognition by national selectors highlighted his promise and marked the beginning of his journey towards senior professional cricket.
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai’s domestic career
Ahmadzai made his List A debut for Hindukush Stars on 18 May 2022 against Pamir Legends in the Green Afghanistan One Day Cup. In that match he entered senior domestic cricket, offering a right‑handed batting option and occasional medium‑pace bowling, and began to build his reputation within Afghanistan’s limited‑overs circuit.
His Twenty20 debut came shortly after, on 30 July 2022, when he represented Kabul Eagles against Hindukush Stars in the Shpageeza Cricket League. Playing in Afghanistan’s premier T20 competition allowed him to face experienced domestic players and adapt his aggressive batting style to the fast‑paced demands of the format.
Ahmadzai’s first‑class debut was for Boost Defenders on 14 October 2022 against Mis Ainak Knights in the Ahmad Shah Abdali 4‑day Tournament. This exposure to the longer format helped him develop the technical resilience required for extended innings and provided a platform to refine his medium‑pace bowling under varied conditions.
Across these three formats, Ahmadzai has been utilised primarily as a top‑order right‑handed batsman, while also contributing as a right‑arm medium bowler when required. His versatility has made him a valuable asset for his domestic sides, offering balance in both batting depth and bowling options.
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai’s international career
In March 2024, Ahmadzai earned his maiden senior call‑up when Afghanistan announced his inclusion for the Twenty20 International series against Ireland. He made his T20I debut on 15 March 2024, facing Ireland at the designated venue, and opened the batting, marking his entry onto the international stage.
During the period from October to November 2026, Ahmadzai featured in three T20I matches, scoring a total of 104 runs in two innings. His highest score in that span was 52, demonstrating his ability to make a substantial contribution in the shortest format. He did not claim any wickets in those matches, reflecting his primary role as a batsman at the international level.
Although his international experience remains limited, the innings of 52 runs indicates a capacity to build meaningful scores against quality opposition. Continued opportunities are likely to allow him to further develop his batting technique and potentially expand his role as a part‑time medium‑pace bowler for Afghanistan.
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai’s playing style
Ahmadzai bats right‑handed, usually occupying a top‑order position where he can confront the new ball. His approach combines aggressive stroke‑making with the ability to rotate the strike, a trait evident from his quick scoring rates in domestic Twenty20 matches and his half‑century in international T20 cricket.
As a right‑arm medium bowler, Ahmadzai provides a seam option that can be employed in limited‑overs games to break partnerships or offer variation. While he has yet to record a wicket at the senior international level, his domestic bowling has been used as a supportive spell, adding depth to his team’s bowling attack when required.
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai’s records and achievements
Key milestones in Ahmadzai’s career include his selection for Afghanistan’s squad at the 2022 Under‑19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, his List A debut for Hindukush Stars, his Twenty20 debut for Kabul Eagles and his first‑class debut for Boost Defenders, all achieved in 2022. He subsequently made his senior T20I debut on 15 March 2024 against Ireland, marking his ascent to the highest level of the game.
To date, his highest international score is 52 runs in a T20I, achieved during the 2026 series against Ireland, contributing to a cumulative tally of 104 runs across three matches. While he has not yet taken a wicket in international cricket, his early batting performances suggest a promising future for the young Afghan cricketer.
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai in internationals, last 12 months
- T20I: 3 matches, 104 runs in 2 innings (highest 52), 0 wickets
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai: frequently asked questions
Where is Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai from?
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai was born in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Which teams has Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai played for?
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai plays international cricket for Afghanistan.
What are Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai’s international stats in the last 12 months?
From October 2026 to November 2026, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai played T20I: 3 matches, 104 runs in 2 innings (highest 52), 0 wickets.









