In a historic moment for cricket, 18-year-old Rahman Hekmat has etched his name in the annals by becoming the first player of Afghan origin to proudly wear the New Zealand cricket jersey. Born in Peshawar, Pakistan, Hekmat's journey to cricketing stardom began in Auckland, New Zealand, where his family sought a brighter future.

Coming from a cricket-centric family, Rahman's parents, Hekmatullah and Khatei, fueled his passion for the sport. Starting as a pace bowler at 11, Rahman's natural talent for leg spin, akin to legends Shane Warne and Rashid Khan, was unveiled by his father, who also serves as an umpire. A participant in the U-19 World Cup in South Africa, Rahman trained alongside senior players like Rachin Ravindra and Ish Sodhi.

While immersed in Bollywood beats, courtesy of his film-loving parents, Rahman remains steadfast in his cricketing dreams. Despite challenges, he appreciates the sacrifices made by his family and aspires to perfect both bowling and batting, inspired by Rashid Khan's formidable style. With his recent debut in the U-19 World Cup 2024, Rahman Hekmat strides confidently toward leaving an indelible mark on the global cricket stage.