Afghanistan’s rising star Azmatullah Omarzai is gearing up for the upcoming T20 World Cup by suiting up for the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024).
He believes this experience will be invaluable in preparing for the high-pressure international tournament.
“Being part of the IPL 2024 will definitely help me for the World Cup,” Omarzai told Cricbuzz. “It’s a top league with experienced players, and the competitive environment will prepare me for the pressure and close matches we expect in the World Cup.”
Azmatullah Omarzai, who impressed with his all-round abilities in the recent ODI World Cup, sees the IPL 2024 as an opportunity to refine his skills and gain exposure to diverse strategies.
“The plan is simple,” he says. “Work hard and believe in my skills. Whether it’s IPL, BPL, or any other tournament, that’s my motto. This will help me carry a good mindset into the World Cup, getting used to the pressure beforehand.”
Beyond IPL 2024 for Azmatullah Omarzai
He credits his recent promotion in the Afghan batting order to his performance in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) with Rangpur Riders. Playing with the new ball for the team also boosted his confidence and contributed to his success at the international level.
“Since playing for Riders, my game and confidence level have improved a lot,” he admits. “It feels like a second home, where I received love and opportunities to showcase my potential.”
Beyond cricket, Omarzai hopes to dispel myths about the situation in Afghanistan. He emphasizes that while there are limitations, life continues relatively normally for citizens. Cricket facilities are developing, and the Afghan Cricket Board (ACB) is working towards hosting international matches in the future.
He also credits head coach Jonathan Trott for instilling a sense of unity and purpose in the Afghan team. Trott’s focus on playing for the country and utilizing diverse experiences from leagues has helped the team perform cohesively.
Finally, Omarzai clarifies that their success in the previous World Cup wasn’t a sudden event but the culmination of long-term planning and preparation that began years prior.
“Preparation starts well before the World Cup,” he explains. “Our management gave us opportunities and built us over time, which led to our performance.”
With the IPL 2024 and World Cup on the horizon, Azmatullah Omarzai is poised to continue his impressive journey on the world stage. His dedication, talent, and positive outlook make him a player to watch in the upcoming cricketing season.
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