PBKS all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai bereaved following mother's death

Originally posted on Crictoday | Last updated Apr 27, 2026 10:46 AM ET

Azmatullah Omarzai, who is playing for the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League 2026, has suffered a personal loss following the demise of his mother. The news was confirmed by Afghanistan players Mohammad Nabi and Karim Jana as they paid tributes to the departed soul. The 26-year-old is with the PBKS in India, but he hasn't been a part of the Playing XI so far. The cricketing fraternity is standing with Omarzai during this tough time.

“The death of the mother of national player Azmatullah Omarzai saddens us. May Allah Almighty grant the deceased Paradise and give patience to the family. We share with them in these moments of great grief," Karim Janat wrote.

“I am deeply saddened to hear that the respected mother of Nawab Khan Umarzai and our national team player, Azmatullah Omarzai, has passed away. May Allah Almighty grant her soul the highest place in Jannah and bless the entire family with patience and strength," Nabi wrote.

Punjab Kings will take on the Rajasthan Royals in their next match on Tuesday, April 28, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

The franchise hasn't confirmed whether Omarzai will remain with the franchise. Omarzai has shown a glimpse of his talent with the bat and ball. He has played 16 matches, amassing 99 runs at an average of 12.37 and picking up 12 wickets at an economy rate of 9.68.

He played for the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024 and was then bought by the Punjab Kings for INR 2.40 crore in the mega auction. In IPL 2025, he played nine games and picked up eight scalps, following which he was retained for the 19th season.

Punjab Kings are the only unbeaten franchise in the IPL 2026, sitting at the top of the standings with six victories from seven matches, with their game against the Kolkata Knight Riders was called off due to persistent rain.

This article first appeared on Crictoday and was syndicated with permission.

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