New Delhi: The auctions for the 2025 Indian Premier League highlighted Afghanistan’s rising cricket talent, with several players securing major deals as their skills and adaptability in T20 cricket have made them sought-after players.
Gujarat Titans picked up Afghanistan’s spin sensation Rashid Khan, retaining him for a staggering Rs 18 crore ahead of the auction. The contract made him the highest-paid Afghan cricketer in the league.
With 149 wickets in 121 IPL matches at an economy rate of 6.37, Rashid has established himself as a fan favourite. A proven match winner, he brings immense value with his sharp fielding and useful batting lower down the order. He has been part of two IPL franchises, including the Gujarat Titans in 2022.
Rashid Khan’s entry into the IPL paved the way for a steady influx of talented players from the country – more noticeable in the 2025 auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia last Sunday.
Spinner Noor Ahmad led the charge, securing a lucrative Rs 10 crore deal with Chennai Super Kings.
The left-arm spinner gained recognition early, representing Afghanistan at the U19 World Cup in 2020 as a 15-year-old. Noor’s IPL debut with Gujarat Titans in 2023 was a resounding success, where he claimed 16 wickets in 13 matches, forming a formidable pairing with Rashid Khan.
Eighteen-year-old spinner Allah Ghazanfar was another big story at the auctions, with a Rs 4.8 crore contract from Mumbai Indians instilling faith in the young spinner. He’s known for his mystery spin, which he developed under the guidance of Dawlat Ahmadzai after transitioning from fast bowling.
Ghazanfar gained attention at the 2024 U19 World Cup and shone at the Emerging Asia Cup, earning his spot in the senior team. With his recent stellar performance against Bangladesh, Ghazanfar promises to be a game-changer for Mumbai.
Dependable all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai was another Afghan talent in high demand, ultimately joining Punjab Kings for Rs 2.4 crore. Omarzai’s ability to swing the new ball and contribute with the bat has drawn comparisons with Indian bowlers such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who praised his control and wrist position. His performance during the 2023 World Cup, including three fifties, showcased his potential as a genuine all-rounder.
All teams looked interested in signing the best of the Afghan talent, and promising Afghan wicket-keeper batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz couldn’t be left out. Part of the KKR setup in the last season and a destructive opener in the power play, Gurbaz secured a Rs 2 crore deal with Kolkata Knight Riders.
Since his international debut in 2019, Gurbaz has become a cornerstone of Afghanistan’s batting lineup. Renowned for his aggressive approach, he has adapted his game to excel across formats. With multiple ODI and T20 centuries, including pivotal contributions in Afghanistan’s 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, Gurbaz was a highly sought-after player in franchise cricket.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)
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