Sports

Afghanistan unveils Champions Trophy jersey honoring cultural heritage

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghanistan has unveiled a new jersey for the 2025 Champions Trophy, drawing inspiration from the country’s rich cultural heritage and historic landmarks.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) described the jersey as a blend of Naskh calligraphy and geometric patterns from the Jam Minaret, an 800-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site in Ghor Province.

“Inspired by our rich cultural heritage, the jersey design beautifully blends the elegance of Naskh calligraphy with the geometric patterns of the historic Jam Minaret in Ghor Province,” the ACB said in a statement. “As AfghanAtalan take the field, they will wear the spirit of unity, the determination of our nation, and the elegance of Jam. They will create history and keep Afghanistan’s name shining on the global stage!”

Standing 65 meters tall with a nine-meter diameter, the Jam Minaret, located in Firuzkuh along the Harirod River, symbolizes Afghanistan’s enduring heritage.

In a video released by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, and other players showcased the new jersey ahead of the tournament.

Afghanistan will make its Champions Trophy debut in 2025, following a breakthrough run in international cricket over the past two years. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, they stunned England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, and nearly defeated Australia before Glenn Maxwell’s historic double century.

In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan eliminated Australia and reached the semi-finals, marking their best-ever performance. They also secured bilateral ODI series wins over South Africa and Bangladesh in the UAE.

Omarzai wins ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year

Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai was named ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year, capping off a stellar 2024.

The 23-year-old, who played for the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), made headlines with an unbeaten 149 against Sri Lanka in Pallekele, his first ODI century. He followed it up with consistent performances against South Africa and Bangladesh.

Omarzai also made his mark with the ball, finishing among the year’s top 10 wicket-takers. In December, he recorded his best-ever ODI bowling figures—4 for 18 against Zimbabwe.