IPL 2026: Azmatullah Omarzai Faces Family Loss, Punjab Kings Await Clarity Ahead of Rajasthan Royals Clash

Azmatullah Omarzai, all-rounder for Punjab Kings, is having a hard time following the loss of his mother. This heart-wrenching news has been shared by two of his Afghanistan players, Mohammad Nabi and Karim Janat.

Azmatullah Omarzai family loss, PBKS await update vs Rajasthan Royals

Azmatullah Omarzai is only 26 years old, and he plays for PBKS in the IPL 2026 season, but there have been no appearances made yet. The team is not clear regarding the availability of Omarzai in the upcoming matches.

Karim Janat expressed his condolences, saying that,

“We are saddened by the death of the mother of national player Azmatullah Omarzai. May Allah Almighty grant the deceased Paradise and give patience to the family. We share with them in these moments of great grief.”

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Azmatullah Omarzai on the loss of his mother. The entire Punjab Kings family stands with him and his loved ones during this difficult time.

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 27, 2026

Mohammad Nabi also shared a message, 

“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.”

On Tuesday, April 28, Punjab Kings are set to face off with Rajasthan Royals at Mullanpur. However, it is still not known whether Omarzai will be available in the game. This all depends on his personal conditions.

Punjab Kings are performing exceptionally well this season. The team has bagged six wins out of seven matches and is sitting atop the points table. Punjab Kings has a balanced team that is consistent in its approach. Furthermore, the team is the sole one that hasn’t made any changes in their playing XI this season.

Omarzai debuted in the Indian Premier League in 2024 with Gujarat Titans and played seven matches for the team. Later, PBKS acquired Omarzai for ₹2.40 crore and played nine matches for Punjab Kings during IPL 2025, took eight Wickets.

Though he has not played this season yet, Omarzai remains an essential backup all-rounder for PBKS. He could be as a good backup all-rounder, particularly to replace Marcus Stoinis, whose performances haven't been great this season.

×

PSL 2026 Qualifier Preview: Zalmi vs United - Head-to-Head, Pitch Report, & Where to Watch Peshawar Zalmi have defeated each of the teams in the PSL this year at least once.

by mishaalmubarak April 28, 2026