Azmatullah Omarzai has emerged as the top-ranked all-rounder in the ICC rankings, following his impressive performances in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He surpassed teammate Mohammad Nabi and climbed to a total of 296 rating points. Other players, including India’s Axar Patel and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran, also saw significant advancements in their respective rankings during the tournament.
The rapid ascent of Azmatullah Omarzai, the dynamic Afghanistan all-rounder, signals a significant moment in cricket as he clinches the top position in the ICC rankings. At just 25 years old, Omarzai’s remarkable performances during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, including a stellar five-wicket haul against England and a vital 50 against Australia, have propelled him to become the world’s number one all-rounder. His achievement also surpasses teammate Mohammad Nabi, who now ranks second.
Omarzai’s rating rose significantly, achieving a total of 296 points, reflecting his outstanding performance. India’s Axar Patel also experienced a notable rise, jumping 17 positions to rank 13th with a career-high of 194 rating points. In parallel, Omarzai’s consistent run-scoring in the Champions Trophy has enhanced his standing across formats, elevating him to 24th in the ODI batter rankings based on his 126 runs.
Afghanistan’s participation in the Champions Trophy has seen other players excel as well, particularly Ibrahim Zadran, who scored 177 runs against England, thereby improving his position to 10th with 676 rating points. In addition, Steve Smith of Australia moved up to 16th place, climbing six spots, while New Zealand’s Kane Williamson improved his position by eight spots to 29th.
Shubman Gill of India maintains the number one spot in the ODI batter rankings, with his counterpart Virat Kohli rising to fourth after a commendable performance in the semi-final against Australia. Meanwhile, bowler Matt Henry of New Zealand solidified his standing in third place with 649 rating points after the tournament, behind Maheesh Theekshana and Keshav Maharaj.
Additionally, the resurgence of Mohammed Shami of India at the Champions Trophy has elevated him to 11th place, gaining three spots. Other notable mentions include South Africa’s Marco Jansen, who improved by nine spots to 18th, and England’s Jofra Archer, who rose 13 spots to equal 19th, marking a competitive landscape in international cricket.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s rise to the pinnacle of the ICC rankings symbolizes the emergence of new cricketing talents, particularly from Afghanistan. His performance, along with those of fellow players in the Champions Trophy, illustrates a shift in dynamics within the sport. Notable climbs in rankings by other players emphasize the competitive nature of the ongoing global cricket scene, showcasing promising prospects across various teams.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
