Rahman Hekmat, an 18-year-old leg-spinner, marked a historic moment by becoming the first Afghan-origin cricketer to represent New Zealand at any level of international cricket. Hekmat donned the New Zealand U-19 jersey in a warm-up match against West Indies U-19s, showcasing the diverse and interconnected nature of cricketing journeys.
Born in Pakistan, Rahman Hekmat‘s family later moved to Afghanistan before eventually settling in New Zealand. In a unique twist, Hekmat’s parents are avid fans of Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, adding an interesting cultural touch to his background.
Rehman Hekmat, the next big thing in World Cricket
Speaking about his cricketing influences, Hekmat revealed that his idols are legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne and Afghan sensation Rashid Khan. Admiring Warne as the greatest of all time, Hekmat also appreciates Rashid Khan’s quick leg break and wrong’un. He expressed his fondness for bowling googlies, drawing inspiration from Rashid’s style.
As Hekmat progresses in his cricketing journey, he expands his horizons by looking up to other wrist-spinners like Ish Sodhi, Adam Zampa, and Adil Rashid. According to him, each leg-spinner possesses a unique style, and he strives to observe and learn from all of them.
In addition to his leg-spin prowess, Rahman Hekmat shared his enthusiasm for batting, particularly inspired by Rashid Khan’s aggressive approach. While acknowledging that he needs to enhance his batting skills, Hekmat expressed his desire to hit the ball for sixes whenever it is in his zone.
With his historic appearance for New Zealand U-19s, Rahman Hekmat opens the door to potential opportunities in T20 leagues if he continues to impress in the U-19 World Cup. His multicultural journey and cricketing aspirations highlight the global appeal and inclusivity of the sport, creating connections across borders and cultures. As Hekmat’s story unfolds, cricket enthusiasts will be eager to witness the promising leg-spinner’s future endeavors on the international stage.