Karim Janat, born on July 11, 1998, is an Afghan cricketer who has established himself as a valuable all-rounder on the international stage and in various T20 leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League. A right-handed batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler, Janat is known for his energetic presence on the field and his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
Janat’s international journey for Afghanistan began in December 2016 with his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut. He later went on to represent his country in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Tests, showcasing his adaptability across different formats of the game.
Over the years, Janat has been a regular feature in Afghanistan’s white-ball squads, participating in crucial series and tournaments. He has demonstrated his capability as a death bowler, with variations and Yorkers in his arsenal, and can be a handy lower-order batsman capable of striking crucial boundaries.
Beyond the international arena, Karim Janat has been a sought-after player in franchise cricket. He has plied his trade in various T20 leagues, gaining valuable experience and exposure against diverse conditions and top players. His inclusion in the IPL, specifically with the Gujarat Titans, further highlights his growing reputation as a T20 player.
While his career has seen moments of brilliant performance, such as a notable five-wicket haul in T20Is, it has also included challenging times, which are part and parcel of a cricketer’s development. Facing the explosive power of batsmen in leagues like the IPL can be a stern test, and instances like the over against the young Vaibhav Suryavanshi, where he conceded a number of boundaries, are experiences that contribute to a player’s learning curve.
Despite the occasional tough outing, Janat’s utility as an all-rounder remains valuable. His ability to break partnerships with the ball and contribute quick runs with the bat makes him a dynamic player. As he continues to evolve as a cricketer, Karim Janat remains an important part of Afghanistan’s cricketing future and a player to watch in T20 leagues globally.
Karim Janat: An Afghan All-Rounder’s Journey to the IPL and Beyond
Karim Janat, the Afghan bowling all-rounder, has been a notable figure in Afghanistan cricket for several years, and his recent foray into the Indian Premier League with the Gujarat Titans has brought him further into the spotlight. Born on August 11, 1998, in Kabul, Janat is known for his right-arm medium-fast bowling and his kemampuan to contribute valuable runs with the lower order. He is also the younger brother of former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan.
Janat’s cricketing journey began at a young age, and he represented Afghanistan in the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he showcased his all-round abilities. He made his international debut for Afghanistan in a T20 International against the UAE in December 2016, making an immediate impact with a Man of the Match performance. He later went on to make his ODI and Test debuts for his country.
A prominent player in Afghanistan’s T20I setup, Janat has featured in numerous matches, picking up crucial wickets and demonstrating his finishing skills with the bat. His best T20I bowling figures of 5 wickets for just 11 runs against the West Indies in 2019 stand as a testament to his potential with the ball. He has also been a consistent performer in various domestic T20 leagues around the world.
Janat’s talent earned him a spot in the highly competitive Indian Premier League, with the Gujarat Titans acquiring him for INR 75 lakhs in the IPL 2025 auction. His IPL debut came against the Rajasthan Royals, a match that, while resulting in a loss for his team, saw him in a memorable-though challenging-passage of play against the young Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Despite an expensive over on his debut, Janat’s inclusion in the IPL highlights the growing presence of Afghan cricketers in the world’s premier T20 league and the potential franchises see in his all-round capabilities.
With his ability to bowl at a decent pace and score quick runs, Karim Janat remains a valuable asset to both the Afghanistan national team and the Gujarat Titans. As he continues to gain experience in top-tier leagues like the IPL, he will undoubtedly look to make a stronger impact and showcase the full extent of his all-round talent on the global stage.
