Early Life and Background
Fazalhaq Farooqi, born on 22 September 2000 in Baghlan, Afghanistan, rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure in international cricket. Growing up in a village without electricity, Farooqi’s exposure to cricket was limited. Despite these challenges, he found his passion for cricket during his teenage years, training at a local academy established by a provincial association.
Farooqi initially played with a tennis ball in local tournaments, where his raw talent began to shine. His dedication led him to represent regional teams like Baghlan Under-16 and Under-17 before making a mark at the national level.
Domestic Cricket Career
Farooqi’s professional journey began with his first-class debut for Amo Region in the 2017–18 Ahmad Shah Abdali 4-Day Tournament. He continued to impress in domestic cricket, playing for teams such as Boost Defenders and Kabul Region. He participated in notable tournaments like the Afghanistan Premier League and the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup in 2018.
Farooqi’s performances in these leagues showcased his abilities, particularly his left-arm fast bowling. In the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, he took 5 wickets in 4 matches, further solidifying his reputation as a bowler to watch.
International Debut and Achievements
Farooqi made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe on 20 March 2021 and his ODI debut against the Netherlands on 25 January 2022. In his maiden T20I, he claimed one wicket for 27 runs, demonstrating his potential on the international stage. Similarly, he impressed with his consistent bowling performances in ODIs.
His standout performances include a 5-wicket haul against Uganda in the 2024 T20 World Cup, earning him the Man of the Match award. Additionally, he holds the record for the highest 10th-wicket partnership for Afghanistan in T20Is, alongside Mohammad Nabi.
Franchise Cricket Journey
Farooqi has been an integral part of several domestic and international franchises, making a significant impact across leagues:
- Indian Premier League (IPL): Represented Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) since 2022, debuting against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
- Big Bash League (BBL): Played for Sydney Thunder, though his contract was terminated in 2022 due to an off-field incident.
- Bangladesh Premier League (BPL): Featured for teams like Minister Group Dhaka and Comilla Victorians.
- Pakistan Super League (PSL): Represented Islamabad United, showcasing his bowling prowess.
- Global T20 Leagues: Played for Toronto Nationals in Canada and MI Emirates in the International League T20.
Farooqi’s ability to adapt across formats and conditions has made him a sought-after player in T20 leagues globally.
Controversies and Challenges
Farooqi’s career has not been without challenges. In December 2022, his contract with Sydney Thunder was terminated due to allegations of misconduct. Although the issue was resolved without legal action, it brought temporary scrutiny to his career.
Another controversy occurred during a match against Pakistan in 2023 when he dismissed Shadab Khan via ‘Mankading.’ This incident sparked debates about sportsmanship but highlighted Farooqi’s competitive spirit.
Recent Selection for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The Afghanistan Cricket Board recently announced its 15-player squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with Farooqi earning his spot. This selection underlines his importance to Afghanistan’s cricketing future. His consistent performances and dedication to the game make him a key player for the tournament.
Records and Milestones
Farooqi has achieved remarkable milestones in his career:
- Best T20 World Cup Bowling Performance: 5 wickets for 9 runs against Uganda in 2024.
- Notable T20I Partnership: Highest 10th-wicket stand for Afghanistan with Mohammad Nabi.
- Key ODI Contributions: 6 wickets in the 2023 ODI World Cup with a best of 4 for 34.
Personal Life and Interests
Farooqi is known for his humble nature and strong connection to his roots. He enjoys swimming and traveling during his leisure time. His favorite cricketers include Virat Kohli and Mitchell Starc, while his music preferences range from Pashto Tappi to Bollywood songs.
Despite his fame, Farooqi remains close to his family, particularly his brother, Abdul Haq Farooqi, who has been a pillar of support throughout his journey.
Future Prospects
At just 23 years old, Farooqi’s cricketing career is on an upward trajectory. His recent selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 highlights his role as a cornerstone of Afghanistan’s bowling attack. With his determination and skill, Farooqi is poised to achieve even greater heights in the years to come.
Fazalhaq Farooqi’s Key Stats
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 30 | 50 | 5/9 | 20.15 |
| ODI | 20 | 30 | 4/34 | 28.70 |
| IPL | 15 | 18 | 3/19 | 25.00 |
Fazalhaq Farooqi’s Legacy
Fazalhaq Farooqi is a beacon of hope for Afghanistan cricket. His journey from a small village to the global stage inspires countless young cricketers. With every match, he continues to prove his worth as a bowler and a role model.
Check out the Champions Trophy Schedule, Champions Trophy Live Score, Champions Trophy Squads , Champions Trophy Stats Champions Trophy Tour, Champions Trophy Venues & Champions Trophy Latest News here!
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
