Ismat Alam wins Player of the Tournament award at Shpageeza Cricket League 2026

Ismat Alam, son of Taj Malik Alam and nephew of Aftab Alam, has won the Player of the Tournament award at the 2026 Shpageeza Cricket League. His father, Taj Malik, is credited as one of the most influential persons in Afghan cricket and is also popular as the founding father of cricket in the country.

The Speen Ghar Tigers all-rounder delivered outstanding all-round performances in the 11th edition of Afghanistan's premier T20 domestic league, which concluded on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

Alam accumulated 227 runs and took nine wickets throughout the tournament. His balanced contributions across both disciplines earned him the accolade ahead of other standout performers. Rahmanullah Gurbaz of Mis-e-Ainak Knights topped the run-scoring charts with 410 runs, but the recognition of an all-rounder underscores Afghanistan's domestic league's emphasis on well-rounded cricketers.

How does Alam's achievement stand out in T20 cricket?

True all-rounders are increasingly rare in modern T20 cricket, where specialisation dominates team structures and award considerations. Alam's combination of 227 runs with nine wickets simultaneously remains an impressive feat in a league featuring national stars. His consistency throughout the tournament helped Speen Ghar Tigers reach the final, demonstrating the value of a player capable of delivering across both disciplines. The recognition validates the importance of flexibility in shorter formats, where multi-skilled performers can shift match outcomes.

What was the final match result?

Amo Sharks defeated Speen Ghar Tigers by seven wickets in the final at Rahmat Wali Masroor Cricket Stadium in Khost. Speen Ghar Tigers batted first and scored 166, with Ismat Alam top-scoring with 67. In reply, Amo Sharks chased down the target in 16.1 overs, with Imran Mir hitting an unbeaten 77 and Hassan Eisakhil contributing 63. Despite the final loss, Alam's tournament performance secured him individual honours, marking a successful personal campaign in the league.