Ikram AliKhil

Ikram Alikhil is a prominent left-handed wicketkeeper-batter for Afghanistan. Born on September 29, 2000, in Kabul, he eventually started playing for Kabul Region in the domestic circuit. 

Growing up in the capital city of Afghanistan, Alikhil developed a passion for the sport and started building a foundation by playing in local and school-level leagues. 

In September 2017, Alikhil began his T20 domestic career as a part of Band-e-Amir Dragons in the 2017 Shpageeza Cricket League.

His commendable domestic journey at a young age helped him to be a part of Afghanistan's squad for the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup and played a pivotal role in the 2017 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup. He scored a fabulous unbeaten century in the final, contributing to Afghanistan's maiden ACC Under-19 title.

Later in 2018, he was named in Afghanistan's squad for the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Having performed at youth international championships, it was time for Alikhil to make his first-class debut.

In March 2018, the young keeper-batter made his First-Class debut for Speen Ghar Region in the 2018 Ahmad Shah Abdali 4-day Tournament.

Later in the same year, he made his List A debut in the 2018 Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One-Day Tournament.

Sooner enough, he made his ODI debut against Ireland, but he could not showcase his full potential in his first ODI outing in March 2019. However, he played his first Test debut against the same opposition shortly after his ODI debut.

One of the most significant turning points in Alikhil's life came during the 2019 Cricket World Cup. 

Not being a part of the initial squad was a hard pill to swallow, but fate favored the warrior, an 18-year-old Ikram Alikhil was called up as a replacement for the injured Mohammad Shahzad.

He took the opportunity with both hands and scored 86 runs in a match against the West Indies, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the highest score by an 18-year-old in World Cup history. 

The 24-year-old keeper-batter was also a part of Afghanistan's squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, where the Afghans toppled England for the second successive time in a 50-over ICC event.

Alikhil is known for his composed batting technique and agility behind the stumps. Unlike some aggressive contemporaries, his batting style is characterized by patience and the ability to anchor innings, making him a dependable figure in the middle order. As a wicketkeeper, his quick reflexes and sharp judgment have been assets to the Afghan bowling attack. 

(As of March 2025)