The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed the emergence of remarkable talent from around the world, including Afghanistan. This article shines a spotlight on Afghanistan's cricketing gems who have illuminated the IPL with their exceptional skills and performances. Get to know the contributions and achievements of these Afghan stars, highlighting their journey, memorable moments, and the impact they've made in one of the most prestigious cricket leagues in the world.
1. Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan Arman is a well-known Afghan cricketer who leads Afghanistan's T20I team. He plays for teams like Gujarat Titans in the IPL, Adelaide Strikers in BBL, Lahore Qalandars in PSL, Band-e-Amir Dragons in Afghanistan's league, and MI New York in Major League Cricket. Rashid is a right-arm leg-spinner and right-handed batsman. He started in Afghanistan's first Test match in 2018 with costly figures but later captained at just 20, being the youngest. Rashid has impressive records, high ICC rankings, and shines in T20 leagues.
2. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is a talented cricketer of Afghanistan who is really good at spinning the ball in a mysterious way. He has done well in matches, taking lots of important wickets. He played in different cricket leagues around the world, like in India, Australia, and others. He is quite young and started to shine when he was only 16, taking many wickets against strong teams. He strived to help Afghanistan's cricket team get better. Overall, he has had ups and downs, but he's determined to do his best.
3. Mohammad Nabi
Mohammad Nabi, a skilled Afghan cricketer, is known for his impressive all-round abilities. He played a significant role in Afghanistan's cricket journey, joining from their early days. He was part of their first ODI and Test matches and even captained the team. Nabi shone in the 2014 Asia Cup as captain, leading the team to their first win against a Test-playing nation. He excelled in leagues like IPL and BPL, contributing with both bat and ball. Nabi's dedication and experience continue to influence Afghanistan's success.
4. Naveen Ul Haq
The Lucknow team, LSG, picked Afghan player Naveen Ul Haq for INR 50 lakh. He's 23 and has played 132 T20 games, taking 160 wickets. He started in IPL 2023, played 8 matches, got 11 wickets, with best of 4/38. Born in Kabul on Sep 23, 1999, he loved cricket watching Indian matches. He moved to Pakistan due to war, but joined Afghan under-16 at 11. He debuted in 2016, joined IPL in 2023 and LSG got him for Rs 50 lakh in 2023 IPL Auction.
5. Dawlat Zadran
Dawlat Zadran is a 35-year-old cricketer known for his right-arm fast bowling. He also bats right-handed. He debuted for Afghanistan in List A matches against Pakistan A, taking 6 wickets. Dawlat made his first-class debut against Canada in the 2011-13 ICC Intercontinental Cup and played his first ODI against the same team. He was part of Afghanistan's squads for the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. He made his international debut in 2011 against Canada.
6. Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman from Afghanistan, plays for Kolkata franchise in IPL. He made his IPL debut in 2023 and scored 227 runs in 11 matches, with 2 half-centuries. He debuted for Afghanistan A in 2017, played T20 and ODI matches, and represented various leagues. In 2021, he debuted in ODIs. Gurbaz's 57-run knock for KKR against RCB made him the first Afghan to score an IPL fifty. Despite being underestimated, Afghan players like Gurbaz have become valuable in IPL auctions, with affordable prices.
7. Fazalhaq Farooqi
Fazalhaq Farooqi is a young all-rounder from Afghanistan, who is making waves in cricket. He gained attention for his left-arm fast bowling, impressing in IPL 2021 as Chennai Super Kings' net bowler. His unique mix of slower balls makes him tough to face. Farooqi's journey began at the U-19 World Cup in 2020, getting noticed for his 5 wickets. He debuted in ODIs and T20Is for Afghanistan. In IPL 2022, he debuted for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Farooqi's promising talent is evident from his performances in Asia Cup 2022 and T20 World Cup 2022.
8. Noor Ahmad
Noor Ahmad, 18, shines in the IPL for Ahmedabad. As a bowler, he spins with his left arm. Noor took 16 wickets, which means he got many batters out. Playing 13 matches, he took 16 wickets. Starting young, He got a chance to play for Afghanistan's national team in both T20 and one-day matches. Picked by Gujarat Titans, he made a big impact by getting key players out. He's a bit shy in English but talks cricket passionately. He took crucial wickets in an IPL game, calling it a dream.
9. Karim Janat
Karim Janat, an Afghan cricketer debuted in 2016 and showcased his skills in various leagues. In 2017, he led in wickets in a tournament. He debuted in T20I and ODI matches, performing well. He earned fame in his debut match by getting three wickets and contributing with the bat. Janat is a promising bowling all-rounder. Young and talented, he holds potential for a bright future in cricket. He made his Test debut against Bangladesh in 2023.
10. Gulbadin Naib
Gulbadin Naib is an Afghan all-rounder known for bowling and batting. He led Afghanistan's ODI team in the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Naib debuted in ODIs in 2011 and T20Is in 2012. He played well in T20 World Cup qualifiers and ODIs, taking six wickets for 43 runs against Ireland in May 2019. Naib played for Balkh Legends and Sylhet Sixers in T20 leagues. Despite captaincy changes, he's an important player. He was in Afghanistan's 2021 T20 World Cup squad and he has played as a lower order batsman for teams in IPL like Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders.
