Afghanistan’s exceptional wrist-spinner, Noor Ahmad, has officially joined the Desert Vipers squad for the upcoming ILT20 season. This promising young talent steps in for Wanindu Hasaranga, bringing with him an impressive track record from both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), alongside his solid international T20I performances.
The Desert Vipers confirmed on Wednesday that they have signed the 20-year-old Afghan sensation for the fourth season of the International League T20. Ahmad’s inclusion comes as a replacement for Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who is expected to fulfill domestic commitments during the tournament.
Expressing his excitement about this new chapter, Noor Ahmad remarked, “I’m incredibly thrilled about this opportunity and deeply grateful for the trust shown in me by the team’s coaching and management, particularly Tom Moody and James Foster. The Vipers boast an exceptional squad, packed with top-tier players in every role, and I’m eager to get to Dubai and kick off the tournament.”
Earlier this year, Ahmad showcased his formidable skills in the Indian Premier League, where he secured 24 wickets for Chennai Super Kings, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker, just behind Gujarat Titans’ Prasidh Krishna. His outstanding performance didn’t stop there; he was also crowned Player of the Tournament in the 2024 Caribbean Premier League, leading the wicket charts with 22 scalps for the triumphant St Lucia Kings.
Noor Ahmad is a recognized face in international white-ball cricket, having represented Afghanistan in 13 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 22 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). He was also a vital part of Afghanistan’s squads for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA in 2024, and the Asia Cup held in the United Arab Emirates in 2025. His T20I economy rate stands at an impressive 6.08 runs per over, a testament to his control and effectiveness.
Desert Vipers’ Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, shared his enthusiasm: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured Noor Ahmad’s services. He is undeniably one of the premier spin bowlers in global cricket right now. While we’re sad to miss Wanindu Hasaranga, who has been a core Viper since day one and is an outstanding all-rounder, Noor’s extensive experience in franchise cricket worldwide will be immensely beneficial to us.”
Moody further highlighted, “His familiarity with the UAE conditions and the DP World ILT20 venues gives him a significant advantage and will certainly add immense value to our franchise. Noor now joins fellow Afghan cricketers Qais Ahmad and Faridoon Dawoodzai, completing a hat-trick of Afghanistan players representing the Vipers in season four of the ILT20.”