Dawlat Khan Ahmadzai

Cricket Coach, Selector, and Advisor
Kabul, AF.

About

Highly accomplished international cricket professional with over 20 years of experience as a player, head coach, selector, technical advisor, and administrator. Proven leader in elite player development and high-performance program implementation, having significantly contributed to the growth of Afghanistan cricket by developing 30+ national and U19 international players and establishing ICC-aligned systems. Currently leveraging expertise in the USA, leading community coaching programs, implementing high-performance initiatives, and organizing specialized training camps to foster next-generation talent.

Work

Blazer Cricket Academy
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Chief Coach

United States of America, United States, USA

Summary

Spearheaded high-performance cricket programs and coaching operations for Blazer Cricket Academy, driving player development and achieving significant championship success across multiple leagues in the USA.

Highlights

Orchestrated daily assignments for 25 coaches and 700 players across 6 locations, optimizing training delivery and operational efficiency.

Designed and implemented comprehensive High Performance Programs (HPP) and individual player skill matrices, fostering elite talent development.

Led Domestic HUB teams to multiple championships, securing U13, U15, and U19 titles in the USA.

Coached Minor League teams to two-time finalist positions nationally and guided Afghan Zawanan Cricket Club to victory in Division 1, Division 2, USA Open, and Prisno League championships.

Developed and deployed operational tools, including parent grievance forms and player/coach diaries, enhancing program management and stakeholder communication.

Afghan Premium American Premier League
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Head Coach

United States of America, United States, USA

Summary

Managed the Afghan Premium team squad, developing match-winning strategies and optimizing player performance for competitive success in the American Premier League.

Highlights

Managed the Afghan Premium team squad, overseeing strategic planning and player development for optimal performance.

Designed and implemented match-winning strategies and optimal team combinations, enhancing competitive advantage.

Selected the playing XI and prepared players mentally and tactically, contributing to improved on-field execution.

Conducted regular team meetings and performance reviews, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Mohammad Mirza Katawazai Cricket Center (MMKCC)
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Head Coach

Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan

Summary

Designed and implemented High Performance Plans and specialized training programs to cultivate young and emerging cricket talent at the Mohammad Mirza Katawazai Cricket Center.

Highlights

Designed and successfully implemented High Performance Plans (HPP), significantly elevating the standard of training at the cricket center.

Delivered specialized training programs, enhancing the skills and capabilities of talented players.

Fostered the development of young and emerging cricket talent, contributing to the national talent pipeline across Afghanistan.

Gulbahar BAZAAN Cricket Club (GBCC)
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Head of Talent Hunt Programs

Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan

Summary

Led nationwide talent identification initiatives and comprehensive training programs, cultivating emerging cricket talent across Afghanistan.

Highlights

Directed country-wide talent hunt programs, identifying promising young cricketers for future development.

Implemented comprehensive training programs to nurture identified talent, enhancing their skills and preparing them for higher-level competition.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)
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Technical Advisor

Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan

Summary

Provided strategic technical guidance and advisory services to the Afghanistan Cricket Board, influencing national and international development decisions and stakeholder relations.

Highlights

Advised on critical future planning and long-term development strategies for Afghanistan cricket, shaping national growth trajectories.

Participated in key national and international decision-making processes, contributing expert technical insights.

Provided technical guidance across all facets of Afghanistan cricket, enhancing performance standards and operational efficiency.

Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders and government bodies, ensuring collaborative progress and support for cricket initiatives.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)
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Chief Selector

Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan

Summary

Developed and implemented structured national selection systems, identifying and selecting top-tier players for international competitions for the Afghanistan Cricket Board.

Highlights

Developed and implemented structured selection systems, enhancing transparency and meritocracy in player selection processes.

Successfully identified and selected national players, contributing to Afghanistan's representation and performance in international competitions.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)
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Course Educator

Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan

Summary

Designed and delivered comprehensive training programs for domestic coaches and technical staff across Afghanistan, enhancing coaching capabilities at various levels.

Highlights

Conducted nationwide training programs for domestic coaches, significantly raising the standard of cricket coaching across Afghanistan.

Designed specialized training programs for ACB technical staff, improving their expertise and operational effectiveness.

Developed coaches across various departments and at different levels of the game, fostering a robust coaching pipeline.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)
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National U-19 Coach

Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan

Summary

Coached and managed national U-19 teams for the Afghanistan Cricket Board, developing elite players through strategic coaching plans and performance monitoring.

Highlights

Managed and coached national U-19 teams at an elite level, cultivating top talent for future national representation.

Prepared comprehensive coaching plans and designed targeted improvement programs, driving significant player development.

Developed and implemented winning strategies, alongside rigorous player performance monitoring and match condition analysis.

Cultivated a high-performance team environment, organizing effective playing drills and training programs for young players.

Afghanistan Premier League (Paktia Franchise)
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Head Coach

Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan

Summary

Served as Head Coach for the Paktia Franchise in the Afghanistan Premier League, leading national U19 teams and implementing comprehensive coaching and strategic programs to optimize player performance.

Highlights

Managed national U19 teams, overseeing all aspects of coaching, strategy, and player development for competitive success.

Led the fielding coaching unit, significantly improving the performance of national team players through specialized training.

Prepared comprehensive coaching plans and designed player improvement programs, fostering skill development and high-performance outcomes.

Developed and implemented winning strategies, along with thorough match condition analysis, to maximize team performance.

Organized and executed all playing drills and conditioning programs, enhancing team skills and readiness for high-level competition.

Shpagiza Cricket League (Band-i-Amir Dragons)
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Head Coach

Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan

Summary

Led the Band-i-Amir Dragons as Head Coach in the Shpagiza Cricket League, managing national U19 teams and implementing strategic coaching to enhance player performance and team success.

Highlights

Managed national U19 teams, overseeing comprehensive coaching, strategic planning, and performance optimization.

Directed the fielding coaching unit, significantly improving the skills and effectiveness of national team players.

Developed and executed detailed coaching plans and player improvement programs, fostering elite skill development.

Formulated winning strategies through thorough match condition analysis, preparing the team for high-stakes competition.

Organized and delivered all playing drills and conditioning programs, ensuring peak physical and technical readiness for players.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)
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Fielding Coach

Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan

Summary

Spearheaded fielding programs for national team players at the Afghanistan Cricket Board, designing performance improvement plans and advanced training drills.

Highlights

Led specialized fielding programs for national team players, significantly enhancing their defensive capabilities and overall team performance.

Designed and implemented performance improvement plans, resulting in measurable advancements in player fielding skills.

Developed advanced match strategies and training drills, elevating the team's tactical execution and readiness.

Monitored player performance and optimized the team environment, fostering continuous improvement and high standards.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)
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National Juniors Head Coach

Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan

Summary

Led national junior teams as Head Coach for the Afghanistan Cricket Board, developing young talent through structured coaching plans, performance monitoring, and strategic development programs.

Highlights

Managed and coached national junior teams, cultivating emerging talent at a foundational level for future progression.

Prepared structured coaching plans and designed comprehensive player improvement programs, fostering skill development and tactical understanding.

Developed and implemented winning strategies, supported by rigorous player performance monitoring and match condition analysis.

Organized and executed all playing drills and training programs, creating a conducive environment for young player development.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)
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Bowling Coach

Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan

Summary

Coached national team bowlers for the Afghanistan Cricket Board, including during World Cups, developing specialized coaching plans and winning strategies to optimize performance.

Highlights

Coached national team bowlers during World Cups, enhancing their technical skills and strategic approach in high-pressure environments.

Prepared and implemented bowling-specific coaching plans and improvement programs, driving measurable enhancements in bowler performance.

Developed winning strategies through in-depth analysis of match conditions, contributing to team success.

Monitored individual bowler performance and managed the team environment, fostering continuous development and peak performance.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)
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Domestic Director

Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan

Summary

Directed the Afghanistan Cricket Board's domestic cricket department, overseeing national tournaments, player development structures, and strategic planning to grow the sport nationwide.

Highlights

Led the ACB domestic cricket department, orchestrating all national domestic cricket tournaments and major leagues, including the Shpageeza Cricket League.

Developed and implemented long-term player development structures, establishing a sustainable pipeline for national talent.

Managed comprehensive grounds operations and tournament logistics, ensuring the successful execution of all domestic competitions.

Prepared and executed annual strategic plans for the domestic department, driving growth and standardization across the country.

Successfully architected and established Afghanistan's foundational domestic cricket structure (2010-2011), laying the groundwork for future national success.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)
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International Player

Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan

Summary

Served as the main attacking fast bowler for the Afghanistan national cricket team, leading the bowling unit and contributing significantly to team strategy and performance in international competitions.

Highlights

Functioned as the primary attacking fast bowler for the national team, consistently delivering early match breakthroughs.

Led the fast bowling unit, demonstrating exceptional skill and strategic acumen in high-pressure international matches.

Contributed actively to team leadership and strategic planning, both on and off the field, fostering cohesive team performance.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)
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Team Captain

Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan

Summary

Led the Afghanistan national cricket team as Captain, responsible for match selections, tactical decision-making, and fostering team morale and performance in competitive environments.

Highlights

Captained the Afghanistan national team, demonstrating exceptional leadership in high-stakes international cricket.

Executed strategic match squad selections and made critical tactical decisions during matches, influencing game outcomes.

Developed and implemented winning strategies, overseeing comprehensive team performance activities.

Effectively managed pressure situations and maintained high team morale, fostering resilience and peak performance.

Education

Azerbaijan State Academy
Azerbaijan, N/A, Azerbaijan

Bachelor's Degree

General Studies

Bakhtar University
Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan

Diploma

Business Administration

Languages

Pashto
Dari
English
Urdu

Certificates

ICC Level III Cricket Coach

Issued By

International Cricket Council

ACC Level I & Level II Cricket Coach

Issued By

Asian Cricket Council

ACC Level I Strength & Conditioning Coach

Issued By

Asian Cricket Council

ICC & Cricket Australia Certified Coach Educator

Issued By

ICC & Cricket Australia

Performance Coaching Method Program - Australia (Semester III & IV)

Issued By

N/A

Specialized Fast Bowling Certification

Issued By

MRF Cricket Academy

Certified Performance Analyst (Cricket)

Issued By

N/A

Skills

Cricket Coaching & Development

Elite Player Development, High-Performance Programs (HPP), Talent Identification, Cricket Coaching (U13, U15, U19, National, International), Fast Bowling Coaching, Fielding Coaching, Sports Psychology, Mental Performance Training, Training Program Design, Player Skill Matrices, Curriculum Development, Youth Development, Coach Education, Performance Monitoring, Technical Guidance.

Sports Management & Leadership

Strategic Planning, Operations Management, Team Leadership, Team Building, Stakeholder Management, Program Management, Tournament Organization, Logistics, Policy Development, Decision Making, Pressure Management, Team Morale, Cross-functional Collaboration.

Performance Analysis & Strategy

Match Strategy Development, Tactical Planning, Performance Video Analysis, Cricket Analysis Software, Data-Driven Decision Making, Performance Evaluation, Reporting, Game Analysis, Opponent Analysis.

Technical Advisory & Administration

Technical Advisory Services, Cricket Development Structures, Roadmap Development, Business Planning, Departmental Performance Monitoring, Committee Leadership, National Selection Systems, Player Scouting, Rules & Regulations Compliance, National-level Umpiring.

Communication & Interpersonal

Communication, Consultation, Public Speaking, Mentoring, Cross-Cultural Communication, Relationship Building, Conflict Resolution.

References

Shafiq Stanikzai

Chief Executive Officer (Ex), Afghanistan Cricket Board, shafiqasmat84@yahoo.com, +971 58 515 3839

Dr. Noor Mohammad Murad

Chief Executive Officer (Ex), and Current CEO USA Cricket, ACB and USA Cricket, noor_faiz786@yahoo.com, nmurad@unfpa.org, +93 78 801 1116