In a groundbreaking moment for cricket, 18-year-old Rahman Hekmat has etched his name in history as the first player of Afghan origin to represent New Zealand internationally. Born in Peshawar, Pakistan, and raised in Auckland, Hekmat's inspiring journey began at the age of 11 when his natural talent for leg-spin bowling caught the attention of his cricket-loving family. Encouraged by his parents and drawing inspiration from cricket legends like Shane Warne, Rashid Khan, and others, Rahman rapidly ascended in his career.

Debuting in the New Zealand U-19 team, Hekmat played against the West Indies U-19s in a warm-up match for the U-19 World Cup 2024. Despite not showcasing his skills in the first match, Rahman remains optimistic about leaving an impact in upcoming games. With dreams of excelling in T20 franchises and aspirations to emulate Rashid Khan's hard-hitting batting style, Hekmat's passion and family support promise a bright future for this young cricketer on the international stage.