Ikram Alikhil is a professional cricketer from Afghanistan, known for his consistent performances and contributions to the national team. Born on 29 September 2000, he made his international debut in March 2019, marking the start of a promising career. He represents Afghanistan in all major cricket formats, demonstrating his skills as a left-handed batsman.
Early Life and Introduction to Cricket
Ikram Alikhil’s journey began in Khost, Afghanistan, where cricket became his passion at an early age. His talent stood out in domestic cricket, paving the way for his inclusion in Afghanistan’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup squad in 2016. In the 2017 ACC U19 Asian Cup, he played a crucial role, scoring an unbeaten century to secure Afghanistan’s first title in the tournament.
Ikram debuted in Twenty20 cricket on 14 September 2017, playing for Band-e-Amir Dragons in the Shpageeza Cricket League. This performance laid the foundation for his rise in professional cricket.
Domestic and U19 Career Highlights
Ikram’s domestic career is marked by several key milestones. He debuted in first-class cricket for the Speen Ghar region in the 2018 Ahmad Shah Abdali tournament. Later, he showcased his skills in List A cricket, playing for the Speen Ghar region in the Ghazi Amanullah Khan tournament. His performance in these tournaments reflected his potential as a dependable player.
In September 2018, he was included in Balkh’s squad for the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League. This provided him exposure to competitive cricket and helped hone his skills further.
Transition to International Cricket
Ikram’s entry into international cricket came in February 2019, when he was named in Afghanistan’s squads for Test and ODI series against Ireland. He made his ODI debut on March 2, 2019, followed by his Test debut on March 15, 2019, both against Ireland. His determination and work ethic earned him a place in Afghanistan’s 2019 Cricket World Cup squad, where he replaced Mohammad Shahzad due to an injury.
Performance Statistics: An Overview
Ikram Alikhil has played across formats with significant contributions:
- ODIs: Scored 384 runs in 31 matches, including three half-centuries.
- T20s: Accumulated 293 runs with a strike rate of 106.15.
- First-Class Cricket: Achieved a high score of 142 with an average of 38.50.
- List A Matches: Scored 1,253 runs, including nine fifties.
His ability to adapt across formats highlights his versatility and promise for the future.
Contributions to National Success
Ikram’s performance at the U19 level laid a strong foundation for his international career. His unbeaten century in the 2017 ACC U19 Asian Cup final showcased his potential as a match-winner. His efforts were instrumental in Afghanistan’s rise in youth cricket and paved the way for his inclusion in the senior team.
In December 2018, Ikram was part of the Afghanistan U23 team for the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup. This exposure to high-pressure matches prepared him for challenges on the international stage.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: A New Chapter
In a recent announcement, Ikram Alikhil was selected for the Afghanistan squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. His inclusion reflects his growth as a player and his importance to Afghanistan’s cricket ambitions. The tournament offers him another platform to display his talent on a global stage.
Ikram Alikhil’s Playing Style
As a left-handed batsman, Ikram is known for his ability to anchor innings and build partnerships. While his strike rate in ODIs is moderate, his consistency in accumulating runs makes him a valuable asset. In T20s, he has demonstrated an aggressive side, contributing quick runs when needed.
Key Achievements
Domestic Milestones
- First-class debut: 2018 Ahmad Shah Abdali tournament
- List A debut: 2018 Ghazi Amanullah Khan tournament
International Career Highlights
- ODI debut: March 2, 2019, against Ireland
- Test debut: March 15, 2019, against Ireland
- Member of Afghanistan’s 2019 Cricket World Cup squad
Challenges and Aspirations
Ikram Alikhil’s journey has not been without challenges. Competing in a cricketing nation that is still growing, he has had to adapt quickly to different conditions. His focus remains on improving his game, contributing to Afghanistan’s success, and inspiring the next generation of cricketers.
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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