IPL 2025: Azmatullah Omarzai's delayed arrival for a shocking reason leaves Punjab Kings stunned
Published - 17 Mar 2025, 06:56 PM
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Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai is yet to join the Punjab Kings (PBKS) squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025). Azmatullah Omarzai will reportedly arrive in India four days before the Punjab Kings’ season opener against Gujarat Titans.
Punjab Kings’ training sessions are already underway at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, and their new head coach, Ricky Ponting, captain Shreyas Iyer, and explosive finisher Shashank Singh have started gearing up for the upcoming IPL 2025.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s arrival delayed, will join the PBKS squad on March 21
But Azmatullah Omarzai will join the camp later this week. An India Today report revealed that Azmatullah Omarzai’s arrival has been delayed due to personal reasons. Most of the PBKS players, including the overseas signings, began reporting to the team on March 17, but Omarzai is expected to join on March 21—just days before their opening clash on March 25.
Read Also: IPL 2025: BCCI calls IPL captains’ meeting in Mumbai ahead of season opener
Azmatullah Omarzai has been in remarkable form, and he made headlines recently after becoming the first-ever Afghan cricketer to win the ICC ODI Player of the Year Award. He will be a key player for the PBKS. They will play their first game of this season in Ahmedabad against Gujarat Titans.
Marco Jansen and Glenn Maxwell can step in for Omarzai!!
However, Punjab Kings won’t be much worried about Omarzai’s delayed arrival, as they have solid all-round options in their squad. South African all-rounder Marco Jansen will be a key option for them. They also have the experienced Glenn Maxwell, who has previously played for the team. Maxwell’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds depth to the squad.
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings is yet to win the IPL title despite having 16 captains and 10 coaches in the past 17 seasons, but their fortune didn’t change. The Punjab-based franchise had only once made the semifinals in 2008 and then finished as the runners-up in 2014.
Despite having big names and strong squads over the years, they have failed to reach the playoffs in the last decade. As IPL 2025 approaches, they will certainly be under immense pressure to turn things around.
Punjab Kings' struggle to lift the IPL trophy continue
For this season, the PBKS have fresh leadership and players, and they would be hoping to change their fortune under Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer in the IPL 2025. PBKS’ captain Iyer was their biggest signing, signing him for INR 26.75 crore, and he faces huge expectations after leading the Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title last year after a decade.
Another big name in Punjab’s squad is Yuzvendra Chahal, who was signed for INR 18 crore, and he will also be under pressure to meet the expectations. On the other hand, Punjab Kings have started ticket sales for two of their home matches in IPL 2025.
Fans can now book tickets for the PBKS versus Rajasthan Royals on April 5 and Kolkata Knight Riders on April 15, with ticket prices starting at INR 1,750. These matches will be held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, and fans can visit the district to book their seats.
