Who is Fazalhaq Farooqi?
If you’ve been following Afghanistan cricket in recent years, one name that stands out is Fazalhaq Farooqi. This young left-arm fast bowler has quickly risen through the ranks, becoming one of the most exciting talents in world cricket. With his swing bowling, sharp yorkers, and calm demeanor under pressure, Farooqi has already made a mark in T20 leagues and international cricket.
But how did this Afghan speedster go from playing street cricket to sharing the field with legends? Let’s dive into Fazalhaq Farooqi’s biography, his early struggles, career-defining moments, and what makes him a future star.
Early Life & Humble Beginnings
Born on September 22, 2000, in Baghlan, Afghanistan, Farooqi grew up in a country where cricket was still emerging. Unlike kids who dreamt of becoming doctors or engineers, young Fazalhaq was obsessed with bowling fast.
- Street Cricket Roots: Like many Afghan cricketers, Farooqi started playing with a tennis ball in narrow alleys. His natural ability to swing the ball caught the attention of local coaches.
- Family Support: Despite limited resources, his family encouraged his passion. His father, a farmer, often told him, “If you work hard, even the toughest fields will bow before you.”
- Moving to Kabul: At 15, he moved to Kabul to train at the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) facilities, where he honed his skills under proper coaching.
Key Takeaway:
Farooqi’s journey proves that talent + opportunity = success. Even without fancy academies, raw skill and determination can take you far.
Domestic Career & Breakthrough
Farooqi’s rise in domestic cricket was rapid. His ability to swing the ball both ways made him a nightmare for batsmen.
- 2018-19: First-Class Debut – Played for Amo Region in Afghanistan’s domestic circuit.
- 2019: Under-19 World Cup – Represented Afghanistan U19, taking 7 wickets in 4 matches. His performance caught selectors’ eyes.
- 2020: Big Bash League (BBL) Call-Up – Signed by Sydney Thunder as a replacement player, marking his entry into global T20 leagues.
Turning Point: The IPL Dream
In 2022, Farooqi’s career took a massive leap when Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) picked him in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.
- IPL 2022 Performance: Took 5 wickets in 3 matches, including a brilliant spell against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
- Learning from Legends: Sharing the dressing room with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Kane Williamson helped refine his skills.
Fun Fact: Farooqi once revealed that Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing bowling tutorials on YouTube inspired him as a teenager!
International Career Highlights
Farooqi made his T20I debut in 2021 and ODI debut in 2022, quickly becoming a key bowler for Afghanistan.
Memorable Performances:
✅ 2022 Asia Cup – Dismissed Virat Kohli with a perfect inswinger, announcing himself on the big stage.
✅ 2023 World Cup Qualifiers – Played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s qualification with 12 wickets.
✅ 2024 T20 World Cup – One of Afghanistan’s most economical bowlers, helping the team reach the Super 8s.
Why Do Batsmen Fear Farooqi?
- Deadly Yorkers – His ability to nail blockhole deliveries in death overs.
- Swing Mastery – Moves the ball both ways, making him unpredictable.
- Calm Under Pressure – Rarely loses composure, even against big hitters.
Personal Life & Off-Field Persona
Unlike many modern cricketers, Farooqi is soft-spoken and humble.
- Nickname: “The Silent Assassin” (teammates call him this because of his quiet but deadly bowling).
- Hobbies: Loves watching James Anderson’s bowling tutorials and playing volleyball.
- Inspiration: Looks up to Mitchell Starc for his lethal yorkers.
Overcoming Challenges
Farooqi’s journey wasn’t smooth. Early in his career, he struggled with injuries and self-doubt. But with the help of mentors like Rashid Khan, he bounced back stronger.
“Cricket is not just about skill; it’s about heart,” he once said in an interview.
Future Prospects: What’s Next for Farooqi?
At just 23, Farooqi has a long career ahead. Here’s what to expect:
🔹 More IPL & Global Leagues – Expect franchises to bid aggressively for him.
🔹 Test Cricket Potential – With his swing, he could be Afghanistan’s next great Test bowler.
🔹 Leadership Role? – Might captain Afghanistan in the future.
Final Thoughts: Why Farooqi is Special
Fazalhaq Farooqi’s story is one of perseverance, skill, and humility. From the streets of Baghlan to the world stage, he’s proving that Afghanistan cricket is here to stay.
If he continues his growth, we might soon see him among the best fast bowlers in the world.
FAQs About Fazalhaq Farooqi
Q1. How old is Fazalhaq Farooqi?
A: Born in 2000, he is currently 23 years old.
Q2. Which IPL team does Farooqi play for?
A: He was part of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2022.
Q3. What is Farooqi’s best bowling performance?
A: His 4/25 against Sri Lanka in 2022 is one of his best spells.
Q4. Does Farooqi play Test cricket?
A: Not yet, but he’s expected to debut soon.
Aamir Ahmad Fateh is a seasoned digital marketer and experienced news writer with over 7 years of expertise in covering political affairs, social issues, technology, sports, and Bollywood. He is the founder and chief editor of 24fnews.com, where he is dedicated to delivering accurate, unbiased, and timely news to a wide audience every day. His sharp insights and journalistic integrity make him a trusted voice in the digital news space.
