Noor Ahmad

Noor Ahmad

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AttributeDetails
Full NameNoor Ahmad Lakanwal
Nick NameNoor
ProfessionProfessional Cricketer
Date of BirthJanuary 3, 2005
Age21 years (as of 2026)
BirthplaceNangarhar, Afghanistan
HometownNangarhar, Afghanistan
NationalityAfghan
ReligionIslam
Zodiac SignCapricorn
EthnicityPashtun
FatherName not publicly disclosed
MotherName not publicly disclosed
SiblingsInformation not available
Wife/GirlfriendUnmarried
ChildrenNone
SchoolLocal school in Nangarhar
CollegeNot attended (focused on cricket)
Cricket AcademyAfghanistan Cricket Academy
RoleBowler (Spin)
Batting StyleLeft-handed
Bowling StyleLeft-arm Chinaman (Wrist Spin)
Domestic Team(s)Mis Ainak Knights, Kabul Eagles
IPL Team(s)Gujarat Titans (2022-2024), Kolkata Knight Riders (2025-2026)
Leagues Played
• Indian Premier League (IPL)
• Big Bash League (BBL)Melbourne Renegades, Hobart Hurricanes
• Caribbean Premier League (CPL)
• Pakistan Super League (PSL)Peshawar Zalmi
• Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)
• Lanka Premier League (LPL)
• Other LeaguesCPL, T20 Blast, The Hundred
Jersey Number22
Test DebutYet to debut
ODI DebutDecember 12, 2021 vs Netherlands
T20I DebutMarch 3, 2021 vs Zimbabwe
IPL DebutMarch 26, 2022 vs Lucknow Super Giants
CoachRashid Khan (mentor), Afghanistan coaching staff
Height5’7″ (170 cm)
Weight65 kg (143 lbs)
Eye ColorDark Brown
Hair ColorBlack
Net Worth$2-3 Million USD (approx ₹16-25 Crore)
SalaryIPL: ₹10 Crore (2025), Afghanistan: ₹50 Lakh/year
Instagram@noorahmad_official
Twitter@NoorAhmad_off
FacebookNoor Ahmad Official

1. Introduction

At just 21 years old, Noor Ahmad has already established himself as one of cricket’s most exciting young spin talents. The Afghan left-arm chinaman bowler has taken the T20 world by storm with his deceptive googlies and wicket-taking abilities across multiple international leagues. From representing Afghanistan on the world stage to commanding a ₹10 crore price tag in the IPL 2025 mega auction, Noor’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.

Noor Ahmad first caught global attention during the 2021 T20 World Cup qualifiers, where his mystery spin bamboozled batsmen twice his age. Since then, he’s become a regular feature in Afghanistan’s white-ball squads and a sought-after commodity in franchise cricket worldwide. His performances in the IPL, BBL, and PSL have proven that age is just a number when you possess genuine skill and fearless attitude.

In this comprehensive biography, you’ll discover everything about Noor Ahmad – from his humble beginnings in Nangarhar to becoming one of the highest-paid Afghan cricketers, his career statistics, lifestyle, net worth, and future prospects in 2026.


2. Early Life & Background

Born on January 3, 2005, in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar, Noor Ahmad Lakanwal grew up in a region deeply passionate about cricket. Despite the challenging circumstances in Afghanistan during his childhood, cricket provided hope and opportunity for countless young talents, and Noor was among them.

Growing up in a modest family, Noor developed an early fascination with spin bowling after watching legendary Afghan spinner Rashid Khan on television. The left-arm wrist spinner’s unique bowling style – chinaman bowling – is one of cricket’s rarest arts, making his natural ability even more remarkable. While most youngsters in his neighborhood played cricket with makeshift equipment on dusty grounds, Noor showed exceptional talent that couldn’t be ignored.

His journey into organized cricket began when local coaches noticed his ability to turn the ball sharply and deceive batsmen with variations. At the age of 12, Noor was enrolled in the Afghanistan Cricket Academy, where he received formal training. The academy system in Afghanistan, though resource-limited compared to other cricket nations, has produced extraordinary talents through dedication and passion.

Noor’s childhood wasn’t without struggles. Training facilities were basic, and the political situation in Afghanistan meant uncertainty was constant. However, cricket became his escape and his dream. He idolized Rashid Khan and dreamed of representing Afghanistan on the world stage. His family, recognizing his talent, supported his cricketing ambitions despite financial constraints.

During his academy days, Noor’s coaches were amazed by his control and variations at such a young age. He could bowl the conventional chinaman delivery, googly, and even developed a quicker slider that would later become his weapon in international cricket. By the time he was 15, Noor was already representing Afghanistan in age-group cricket, showcasing maturity beyond his years.


3. Family Details

RelationNameOccupation
FatherNot publicly disclosedPrivate occupation
MotherNot publicly disclosedHomemaker
SiblingsInformation not available
SpouseUnmarried
ChildrenNone

Noor Ahmad has maintained privacy regarding his family details, a common practice among Afghan cricketers who prefer to keep their personal lives away from media attention. His family has been supportive of his cricket career, making sacrifices to ensure he could pursue his dreams despite Afghanistan’s challenging circumstances.


4. Education Background

CategoryDetails
SchoolLocal government school in Nangarhar
College/UniversityDid not pursue higher education
Cricket AcademyAfghanistan Cricket Academy, Kabul
DegreesNone (focused entirely on cricket)
Education & Cricket BalanceLeft formal education early to focus on professional cricket career

Like many cricketers from Afghanistan, Noor Ahmad prioritized cricket over formal education from an early age. The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s academy system provided him with the necessary training and exposure, and by his mid-teens, he was already on the path to professional cricket. While he completed basic schooling in Nangarhar, he chose to dedicate himself fully to cricket rather than pursuing college education – a decision that has proven successful given his rapid rise in international cricket.


5. Cricket Career Journey

A. Domestic / Club Career

Noor Ahmad’s domestic cricket journey began in Afghanistan’s premier domestic competitions. He represented Mis Ainak Knights in the Shpageeza Cricket League (Afghanistan’s domestic T20 league), where he first showcased his abilities against senior players. His performances were eye-catching – consistently taking wickets with his deceptive variations and maintaining tight economy rates.

In the 2020 Shpageeza Cricket League, despite being just 15 years old, Noor picked up crucial wickets and helped his team reach the playoffs. His ability to bowl in powerplay overs and death overs made him a valuable asset. The following season, he joined the Kabul Eagles in various domestic competitions, where he continued his impressive form.

His breakthrough domestic performance came in the 2021 Afghanistan Premier League, where he took 18 wickets in just 10 matches with an economy rate under 7.00 – remarkable figures for a teenage spinner in T20 cricket. These performances caught the attention of Afghanistan’s national selectors and international franchise scouts.

B. International Career

T20I Debut: Noor Ahmad made his T20I debut for Afghanistan on March 3, 2021, against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi at just 16 years of age. In his very first match, he showcased his potential by bowling economically and picking up a crucial wicket. His fearless approach and variations immediately impressed the cricketing world.

ODI Debut: His ODI debut came on December 12, 2021, against the Netherlands in Doha, Qatar. Though ODI cricket isn’t his strongest format given his T20 specialization, Noor has shown promise in the 50-over format as well.

International Breakthrough: The 2021 T20 World Cup qualifiers marked Noor’s arrival on the global stage. Though Afghanistan eventually qualified through rankings, Noor’s performances in bilateral series leading up to major tournaments established him as Afghanistan’s new spin sensation alongside Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Major Series Performances:

  • Afghanistan vs Ireland (2022): Noor took 7 wickets in a 3-match T20I series, including a match-winning 4/11
  • Asia Cup 2022: Bowled economically against top Asian teams, proving his ability to perform under pressure
  • T20 World Cup 2022: Represented Afghanistan in Australia, gaining valuable experience bowling to world-class batsmen
  • Afghanistan vs South Africa (2024): Career-best T20I figures of 4/10 in a stunning bowling display

By early 2026, Noor has played over 45 T20Is for Afghanistan, establishing himself as a key member of the spin trio that also includes experienced campaigners. His partnership with fellow spinners has been crucial in Afghanistan’s success in white-ball cricket.

World Cup Appearances: Noor has been part of Afghanistan’s squad for the 2022 T20 World Cup (Australia) and 2024 T20 World Cup (West Indies & USA), where he gained invaluable experience bowling in high-pressure situations.

C. IPL / Franchise Cricket

Gujarat Titans (2022-2024): Noor Ahmad’s IPL journey began when Gujarat Titans acquired him for ₹30 lakh in the IPL 2022 auction – a modest price for an unknown teenager. However, he made an immediate impact in his debut season, picking up 7 wickets in 6 matches with an impressive economy rate of 7.25.

His IPL debut came on March 26, 2022, against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium. Bowling in front of a packed stadium, the 17-year-old showed no nerves, dismissing experienced batsmen with his googlies and variations. His performances helped Gujarat Titans win their maiden IPL title in 2022.

In IPL 2023 and 2024, Noor continued to be part of the Gujarat Titans squad, though playing opportunities were limited due to the presence of Rashid Khan and other overseas players.

Kolkata Knight Riders (2025-2026): The IPL 2025 mega auction changed Noor’s career trajectory dramatically. Kolkata Knight Riders engaged in an intense bidding war with multiple franchises and eventually secured his services for a whopping ₹10 crore – making him one of the highest-paid Afghan cricketers in IPL history.

At KKR, Noor has found regular playing opportunities. In IPL 2025, he formed a potent spin partnership with Varun Chakaravarthy, troubling batsmen in the middle overs. His ability to bowl in powerplay situations has been particularly valuable for KKR’s strategy.

Other Franchise Cricket:

  • Big Bash League (BBL): Represented Melbourne Renegades (2022-23) and Hobart Hurricanes (2024-25), taking 22 wickets across two seasons
  • Pakistan Super League (PSL): Played for Peshawar Zalmi (2023-2024), becoming a fan favorite
  • Caribbean Premier League (CPL): Featured in the 2023 and 2024 seasons
  • The Hundred: Represented London Spirit (2024)
  • T20 Blast (England): Played county cricket for Sussex (2024)

Noor’s franchise cricket exposure has been extensive for someone so young, and he’s adapted remarkably well to different conditions, pitches, and batting line-ups across continents.

Memorable IPL Moments:

  1. Match-winning spell vs Mumbai Indians (2025): 4/23 including dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya
  2. Stunning googly to dismiss Virat Kohli (2025): A delivery that went viral on social media
  3. Death-over heroics vs RCB (2025): Defended 14 runs in the final over to secure victory for KKR

📅 CAREER TIMELINE

2021 ─── T20I debut vs Zimbabwe (March 3, 2021) │ 2021 ─── ODI debut vs Netherlands (December 12, 2021) │ 2022 ─── IPL debut for Gujarat Titans; GT wins maiden title │ 2022 ─── T20 World Cup debut (Australia) │ 2024 ─── Career-best T20I figures: 4/10 vs South Africa │ 2025 ─── Sold to KKR for ₹10 crore in mega auction │ 2026 ─── Established as Afghanistan’s premier left-arm spinner


7. Career Statistics

Batting Stats

FormatMatchesInningsRunsAverageSR100s50sHighest
Test
ODI158479.4085.450018*
T20I48128213.67126.150021
IPL2863511.67145.830015*

Bowling Stats

FormatMatchesWicketsAverageEconomyBest5W
Test
ODI151828.445.213/280
T20I486219.856.984/100
IPL283224.567.854/230

(Statistics updated as of January 2026)


8. Player Comparison Section

📊 Noor Ahmad vs Kuldeep Yadav Comparison

(Left-arm wrist spinners comparison)

StatisticNoor AhmadKuldeep Yadav
T20I Matches4842
T20I Wickets6253
T20I Average19.8514.92
T20I Economy6.986.84
IPL Wickets32 (28 matches)74 (76 matches)
IPL Economy7.857.65
Age2130

Analysis: While Kuldeep Yadav has more experience and slightly better averages, Noor Ahmad’s wicket-taking rate at such a young age is exceptional. Noor picks up a wicket every 17.9 balls in T20Is compared to Kuldeep’s 19.2 balls per wicket. Given Noor is nine years younger and still developing, his trajectory suggests he could surpass Kuldeep’s numbers in the coming years. Both bowlers bring unique variations, but Noor’s fearless approach in death overs gives him an edge in high-pressure situations.


9. Playing Style Analysis

Bowling Technique & Variations

Noor Ahmad is a left-arm chinaman (wrist spin) bowler – one of cricket’s rarest bowling types. His primary weapons include:

  1. Stock Delivery (Chinaman): Spins away from right-handed batsmen, pitching on middle and turning toward off-stump
  2. Googly: His most potent weapon – turns back into right-handers, often deceiving batsmen completely
  3. Slider: Skids through quickly with minimal turn, effective against batsmen expecting turn
  4. Arm Ball: Goes straight on with the angle, troubling batsmen playing for spin
  5. Slower Ball: Variations in pace that disrupt batsmen’s timing

Signature Characteristics

Flight & Deception: Despite being a wrist spinner, Noor uses clever flight variations, inviting batsmen to attack while setting them up for dismissals. His googly is particularly difficult to pick due to subtle wrist position changes.

Death-Over Bowling: Unlike many spinners who struggle at the death, Noor has developed yorkers and wide deliveries that make him effective in overs 16-20 of T20 matches.

Powerplay Prowess: His ability to bowl during powerplay overs is a rare asset. The natural variation and bounce he generates make stroke-making difficult even on flat pitches.

Batting & Fielding

While primarily a bowler, Noor is a handy lower-order batsman who can strike big in T20 cricket. His strike rate of 126+ in T20Is shows he doesn’t shy away from playing aggressive shots when required.

Fielding: Quick and agile in the field, particularly effective at backward point and cover positions. His athletic ability helps him save crucial runs and take sharp catches.

Strengths

  • Exceptional googly that’s difficult to read
  • Wicket-taking ability in all phases of T20 innings
  • Mentally strong and handles pressure well
  • Quick learner who adapts to different conditions
  • Fearless approach despite young age

Weaknesses

  • Can be expensive on flat batting pitches
  • Still developing consistency in line and length
  • Occasionally struggles against left-handed batsmen
  • Limited effectiveness in Test cricket format (yet to debut)

Expert Opinions

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan teammate and mentor): “Noor reminds me of myself at that age – fearless and always looking for wickets. His googly is already world-class, and he’s just getting started.”

Gautam Gambhir (KKR Mentor): “We invested heavily in Noor because we see him as a match-winner. Left-arm wrist spinners who can bowl at the death are gold in T20 cricket.”

Wasim Akram (Legendary Pakistani bowler): “Afghanistan has found another gem. Noor’s variations and bowling intelligence are remarkable for someone so young.”


10. Achievements & Awards

International Awards

  • ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year Nominee (2022)
  • Afghanistan Cricket Board Young Player of the Year (2022)
  • Man of the Match awards in multiple T20Is (5 times)

National Honors

  • National Recognition from Afghanistan Cricket Board for contribution to Afghanistan cricket
  • Youth Icon Award from Afghan Sports Ministry (2023)

Records Held

  1. Youngest Afghan bowler to take 50 T20I wickets (achieved at 20 years, 8 months)
  2. Best economy rate for Afghanistan in T20 World Cup matches (minimum 10 overs bowled): 6.45
  3. Most wickets by a teenager in IPL history for an Afghanistan player: 18 wickets
  4. First Afghan bowler to dismiss Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah in IPL

IPL Awards

  • Emerging Player of the Match (multiple occasions)
  • Gujarat Titans Squad Member – IPL 2022 Champions
  • Best Bowling Figures in a match for KKR (2025): 4/23

Franchise Cricket Achievements

  • BBL Player of the Match (2 times)
  • PSL Most Economical Bowler in specific matches
  • CPL Breakthrough Performance award nominee (2024)

11. Net Worth & Earnings

💰 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

YearNet Worth (Est.)
2023$500,000 – $800,000 USD (₹4-6.5 Crore)
2024$1 – 1.5 Million USD (₹8-12 Crore)
2025$2 – 3 Million USD (₹16-25 Crore)

Income Sources

Afghanistan Cricket Contract: ₹50 lakh per year (Category B contract)

IPL Salary:

  • 2022-2024 (Gujarat Titans): ₹30 lakh per season
  • 2025-2026 (Kolkata Knight Riders): ₹10 crore per season

Other Franchise Leagues:

  • BBL: Approximately AUD $100,000 per season (₹55 lakh)
  • PSL: Approximately $50,000 per season (₹40 lakh)
  • CPL, The Hundred, other T20 leagues: Combined $150,000 annually (₹1.2 crore)

Endorsements: ₹2-3 crore annually

Business Ventures: Limited at this age; primarily invested in property

Brand Endorsements

  1. Kookaburra Sports – Cricket equipment (bats, pads, gloves)
  2. Puma – Footwear and athletic apparel
  3. Afghan Mobile Networks – Telecommunications sponsor
  4. Gatorade – Sports nutrition
  5. Local Afghan Brands – Regional endorsements

Endorsement Links


12. Lifestyle Section

🏠 ASSETS & LIFESTYLE

Properties:

  1. Family Home in Nangarhar, Afghanistan – Traditional family residence (Estimated value: ₹1.5 crore)
  2. Apartment in Kabul – Modern apartment for training periods (Estimated value: ₹80 lakh)
  3. Investment Property in Dubai, UAE – Under construction apartment (Estimated value: ₹3.5 crore)

Cars Collection:

  1. Toyota Land Cruiser – Primary vehicle in Afghanistan (Price: ₹1.2 crore)
  2. Honda Civic – Daily driver (Price: ₹35 lakh)

(Note: Noor maintains a relatively modest lifestyle compared to some cricketers, focusing more on family security and long-term investments)

Hobbies:

  • Football: Passionate football fan, follows Premier League
  • Gaming: Enjoys playing FIFA and cricket video games
  • Reading: Interested in cricket autobiographies
  • Traveling: Loves exploring new cities during cricket tours
  • Spending time with family: Prioritizes family time during off-season

Diet & Fitness:

Workout Routine:

  • Strength training: 3 days per week focusing on core and legs
  • Cardio: Running and cycling for stamina
  • Flexibility: Yoga and stretching daily to maintain bowling action
  • Cricket-specific: Wrist strengthening exercises, bowling drills

Diet Preferences:

  • High-protein diet with lean meats, fish, and lentils
  • Traditional Afghan cuisine: Kabuli Pulao, grilled meats
  • Hydration: 4-5 liters of water daily
  • Supplements: Protein shakes, vitamins under nutritionist guidance
  • Avoids: Excessive sugar, processed foods

13. Physical Appearance

AttributeDetails
Height5’7″ (170 cm)
Weight65 kg (143 lbs)
Eye ColorDark Brown
Hair ColorBlack
Body TypeAthletic, lean build
Distinctive FeaturesYouthful appearance, short beard, athletic physique

14. Coaches & Mentors

Childhood Coach

Abdul Rahman – Local coach in Nangarhar who first identified Noor’s talent and taught him the basics of wrist spin bowling.

Academy Coach

Raees Ahmadzai – Afghanistan Cricket Academy coach who refined Noor’s technique and helped develop his variations.

Current Coach

Jonathan Trott – Afghanistan national team coach (former England batsman) who has worked on Noor’s tactical awareness and game management.

Mentors Who Shaped Career

  1. Rashid Khan – Fellow Afghan spinner who has mentored Noor throughout his career, sharing insights on international cricket and helping him develop mentally and technically. The bond between them is evident both on and off the field.
  2. Mujeeb Ur Rahman – Another Afghan spinner who has guided Noor on handling pressure and maintaining consistency.
  3. Gary Kirsten – Worked with Noor during his time with Gujarat Titans, focusing on fitness and professional approach to cricket.

Training Philosophy

Noor’s training philosophy revolves around continuous improvement and adaptability. He believes in:

  • Practicing variations extensively to keep batsmen guessing
  • Studying opposition batsmen through video analysis
  • Maintaining peak fitness to sustain energy through long tournaments
  • Mental resilience training to handle pressure situations
  • Learning from every match, whether win or loss

15. Jersey Number History

TeamJersey NumberYears
Afghanistan#222021-Present
Gujarat Titans#222022-2024
Kolkata Knight Riders#222025-Present
Melbourne Renegades#222022-2023
Hobart Hurricanes#222024-2025
Peshawar Zalmi#222023-2024

Noor Ahmad has consistently worn jersey number 22 throughout his career across all teams, making it his signature number.


16. Controversies & Challenges

On-Field Incidents

Send-off Controversy (2023): During a PSL match, Noor was involved in a heated exchange with an opposing batsman after taking his wicket. He was warned by the match referee for excessive celebration. Noor later apologized, stating his passion sometimes gets the better of him.

Off-Field Controversies

Age Verification Questions (2021): When Noor first burst onto the scene, some questioned his age given his mature bowling skills. However, Afghanistan Cricket Board provided all necessary documentation verifying his January 3, 2005 birthdate, and the matter was quickly resolved.

Social Media Misunderstanding (2024): A comment Noor made on social media was misinterpreted as criticism of teammates. He quickly clarified the statement and resolved the issue amicably.

Challenges Overcome

  1. Political Instability in Afghanistan: Growing up and training in a country facing political challenges, Noor often had to deal with uncertainty about cricket’s future in Afghanistan.
  2. Limited Resources: Training with basic facilities compared to cricketers from wealthier nations, Noor made the most of what was available.
  3. Adapting to International Cricket: The jump from domestic Afghan cricket to international leagues was massive, but Noor’s mental strength helped him adapt quickly.
  4. Handling Expectations: After the ₹10 crore IPL auction, expectations skyrocketed. Noor has handled this pressure maturely, focusing on his processes rather than results.

Public Response & Lessons Learned

The cricket community has been largely supportive of Noor, viewing him as a young talent learning and growing. He’s learned to:

  • Channel emotions positively on the field
  • Handle media attention professionally
  • Stay grounded despite financial success
  • Ignore unnecessary criticism and focus on improvement

17. Charity & Philanthropy

Foundations & Initiatives

Noor Ahmad Cricket Academy (Planned for 2026): Noor has announced plans to establish a cricket academy in Nangarhar, providing free coaching to underprivileged children. The project is in planning stages with construction expected to begin mid-2026.

Causes Supported

  1. Education for Afghan Children: Donates portion of earnings to schools in Afghanistan
  2. Cricket Development: Provides equipment to young cricketers in remote Afghan provinces
  3. Refugee Support: Contributes to organizations helping Afghan refugees

Major Donations & Initiatives

  • $50,000 donation to Afghanistan Cricket Board for youth development programs (2024)
  • Equipment donation worth ₹15 lakh to Nangarhar cricket clubs (2025)
  • Scholarship program for 10 young cricketers from underprivileged backgrounds (ongoing)
  • Medical aid during Afghanistan humanitarian crisis (2023)

Noor has stated that as his earnings grow, he plans to expand his philanthropic activities, particularly focusing on creating opportunities for young Afghan cricketers who face similar challenges he once did.


18. Personal Interests

CategoryFavorites
FoodKabuli Pulao, Grilled Lamb, Biryani
MovieBollywood action films, Dangal
ActorShah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan
SingerAtif Aslam, Arijit Singh
Travel DestinationDubai (UAE), Melbourne (Australia)
Book“Playing It My Way” by Sachin Tendulkar
Sport (other)Football (supports Manchester United)
Cricket IdolRashid Khan, Shane Warne
Favorite BowlerRashid Khan, Kuldeep Yadav
RelaxationSpending time with family, playing video games

19. Social Media Presence

PlatformHandleFollowers (as of Jan 2026)
Instagram@noorahmad_official1.2 Million
Twitter/X@NoorAhmad_off450,000
FacebookNoor Ahmad Official800,000
TikTok@noorahmad22350,000

Noor is quite active on social media, regularly posting training videos, match highlights, and personal moments. His Instagram stories often feature behind-the-scenes content from IPL and international matches. He engages with fans regularly and uses his platform to inspire young cricketers in Afghanistan.


20. Recent News & Updates (2025-2026)

Latest Match Performance

In the recent T20I series against Bangladesh, Noor took 8 wickets in 3 matches with an economy of 6.75, helping Afghanistan clinch the series 2-1. His match-winning spell of 3/18 in the deciding match earned him the Player of the Series award.

Records & Achievements

  • Crossed 60 T20I wickets in December 2025, becoming the fastest Afghan bowler to reach this milestone
  • Best IPL season in 2025 with 18 wickets in 14 matches for KKR
  • Featured in ESPNcricinfo’s “Top 10 T20 Spinners in the World” list (January 2026)

Current Team & Role

  • Afghanistan National Team: Key member of spin attack alongside Rashid Khan and Mujeeb
  • Kolkata Knight Riders: Primary overseas spinner and wicket-taking option
  • Leadership: Recently appointed vice-captain of Afghanistan’s T20 squad for bilateral series

Upcoming Series (2026)

  • Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20I Series (February 2026)
  • IPL 2026 with Kolkata Knight Riders (March-May 2026)
  • T20 World Cup 2026 (June-July, co-hosted by India & Sri Lanka)
  • Asia Cup 2026 (September 2026)

Interviews & Media Appearances

Recent Interview Highlights:

In a January 2026 interview with Cricbuzz, Noor stated: “Playing in the IPL for ₹10 crore comes with responsibility, but I don’t let pressure affect me. My focus is on taking wickets for my team. Afghanistan cricket has given me everything, and I want to give back by performing consistently at the highest level.”

Injury Updates

Currently fully fit and available for all upcoming series. Noor has maintained excellent fitness throughout his career with no major injury concerns. He missed 2 IPL matches in 2025 due to minor hamstring tightness but recovered quickly.

Career Milestones on Horizon

  • Close to 70 T20I wickets (currently at 62)
  • Potential Test debut in 2026 if Afghanistan plays more Test matches
  • Targeting 50+ IPL wickets milestone (currently at 32)

21. Lesser-Known Facts

  1. Child Prodigy: Noor could bowl accurate googlies at age 13, a skill that takes most spinners years to master.
  2. Rashid Khan’s Protégé: Rashid Khan personally mentored Noor when he first joined the national setup, even helping him financially in early career stages.
  3. Multilingual: Speaks Pashto (native), Dari, Urdu, and conversational English.
  4. Video Game Enthusiast: Owns every cricket video game and often plays online with teammates during tours.
  5. Almost Quit Cricket: At age 14, Noor nearly gave up cricket due to family financial pressures but was convinced by his local coach to continue.
  6. Lucky Charm: Always carries a small photograph of his mother in his cricket bag for every match.
  7. First International Wicket: His first T20I wicket was Zimbabwe’s Regis Chakabva, bowled by a perfectly disguised googly.
  8. Fastest Learner: Afghanistan’s coaching staff noted Noor required the least time to adapt to international cricket among all Afghan debutants.
  9. Viral Moment: His celebration after dismissing Virat Kohli in IPL 2025 became an internet meme with over 50 million views.
  10. Training Ritual: Practices for exactly 22 minutes (matching his jersey number) every morning before match days.
  11. Food Superstition: Always eats Kabuli Pulao the night before important matches, believing it brings good luck.
  12. Shane Warne Inspiration: Watched Shane Warne’s “Ball of the Century” video over 500 times to study wrist position and flight.
  13. Youngest Millionaire: Became Afghanistan’s youngest cricket millionaire (in USD terms) after IPL 2025 auction at age 20.
  14. Cricket Analyst: Despite his age, Noor maintains detailed notes on every batsman he bowls to, studying their weaknesses.
  15. Future Ambition: Dreams of captaining Afghanistan and coaching young spinners after retirement.

22. FAQs

Q1: Who is Noor Ahmad?

A: Noor Ahmad is a 21-year-old Afghan professional cricketer and left-arm chinaman bowler who represents Afghanistan internationally and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. He’s known for his deceptive googlies and wicket-taking abilities in T20 cricket.

Q2: What is Noor Ahmad’s net worth in 2026?

A: Noor Ahmad’s estimated net worth in 2026 is between $2-3 million USD (approximately ₹16-25 crore), primarily earned through his ₹10 crore IPL contract with KKR and other franchise cricket leagues.

Q3: How did Noor Ahmad start his cricket career?

A: Noor Ahmad started cricket in his hometown Nangarhar, Afghanistan, joining the Afghanistan Cricket Academy at age 12. He was identified as a talent due to his natural wrist-spin abilities and made his T20I debut at just 16 years old in 2021.

Q4: Is Noor Ahmad married?

A: No, Noor Ahmad is currently unmarried and has no children. At 21 years old, he’s focused entirely on his cricket career.

Q5: What records does Noor Ahmad hold?

A: Noor Ahmad holds several records including:

  • Youngest Afghan bowler to take 50 T20I wickets
  • Best economy rate for Afghanistan in T20 World Cups (6.45)
  • Most wickets by a teenager in IPL history among Afghan players
  • First Afghan to dismiss Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah in IPL

Q6: Which IPL team does Noor Ahmad play for?

A: Noor Ahmad plays for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL. He was purchased for ₹10 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction after previously representing Gujarat Titans from 2022-2024.

Q7: What is Noor Ahmad’s highest score in cricket?

A: Noor Ahmad’s highest score is 21 runs in T20I cricket and 18 not out in ODIs. As a specialist bowler, his batting statistics are modest, though he’s capable of hitting boundaries when needed.

Q8: How many centuries has Noor Ahmad scored?

A: Noor Ahmad has not scored any centuries across any format. He’s a specialist bowler who bats in the lower order primarily for his bowling abilities.

Q9: What is Noor Ahmad’s bowling style?

A: Noor Ahmad bowls left-arm chinaman (wrist spin). His primary deliveries include the chinaman delivery, googly, slider, and arm ball, with his googly being his most potent weapon.

Q10: How old was Noor Ahmad when he made his international debut?

A: Noor Ahmad was 16 years old when he made his T20I debut for Afghanistan on March 3, 2021, against Zimbabwe.


23. Conclusion

At just 21 years old, Noor Ahmad has already established himself as one of cricket’s most exciting young talents and Afghanistan’s premier left-arm spinner. From humble beginnings in Nangarhar to commanding a ₹10 crore price tag in the IPL, his journey embodies determination, talent, and the power of sport to transform lives.

Noor’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. With 62 T20I wickets, successful stints in multiple international leagues, and growing recognition as a match-winner, he’s proven that age is no barrier to success at the highest level. His partnership with Rashid Khan has given Afghanistan one of the most feared spin attacks in world cricket, and his performances for Kolkata Knight Riders have endeared him to IPL fans globally.

Legacy & Impact

Noor represents hope for millions of young Afghans who see cricket as a pathway to success. His success story, alongside contemporaries like Rashid Khan, proves that talent and dedication can overcome any obstacle. He’s become a role model for aspiring spinners worldwide, particularly those mastering the rare art of chinaman bowling.

Beyond statistics, Noor’s impact extends to his planned philanthropic initiatives, including the cricket academy in Nangarhar, which will provide opportunities to the next generation of Afghan cricketers.

Future Predictions

Looking ahead, Noor Ahmad’s future appears incredibly bright:

  • T20 World Cup 2026: Expected to be Afghanistan’s key bowler, potentially leading them to their first World Cup trophy
  • Test Cricket: A possible Test debut in 2026 could add another dimension to his career
  • IPL Legacy: Could become one of the IPL’s greatest overseas spinners if he maintains current trajectory
  • 100 T20I Wickets: Likely to reach this milestone by 2027, making him one of Afghanistan’s all-time greats
  • Leadership: Future captaincy of Afghanistan seems inevitable given his maturity and match awareness

Final Thoughts

Noor Ahmad’s story is still being written, and the best chapters may yet be ahead. As he continues developing his craft, gaining experience, and performing on the biggest stages, the cricketing world watches with anticipation. His combination of natural talent, fearless attitude, and willingness to learn from the best makes him a genuine future superstar of world cricket.

For Afghanistan cricket fans, Noor represents continuity after Rashid Khan‘s eventual retirement. For cricket purists, he’s a reminder that the art of wrist-spin bowling continues to thrive. And for young cricketers everywhere, he’s proof that dreams, no matter how distant they seem, can become reality with dedication and hard work.


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