Noor Ahmad is one of the brightest young spin talents to emerge from Afghanistan in recent years. A rare left-arm wrist-spinner, Noor has earned global attention for his control, composure, and ability to outthink batters well beyond his age. The left-arm wrist-spinner has already become a regular feature in Afghanistan’s limited-overs setup and a highly valued asset in franchise cricket around the world.

Often compared to Rashid Khan for his calmness and match awareness, Noor Ahmad represents the next generation of Afghan cricket — fearless, skilful, and increasingly influential at the highest level.

Noor Ahmad’s Early Life and Background

Noor Ahmad was born in Lakan Spinki Bori village in Afghanistan’s Khost Province, the youngest of eight children in a close-knit family. Cricket was a passion he developed early, playing in local neighbourhoods despite limited facilities. While his father initially encouraged him to focus on academics, Noor’s elder brother Ehsan recognised his unique talent as a left-arm wrist-spinner and played a key role in supporting his cricketing ambitions.

Noor began formal training at a local cricket academy at the age of 12, where his natural ability quickly stood out. His raw talent was later spotted by former Afghanistan captain and selector Raees Ahmadzai, who identified him as a rare prospect during a junior camp in Kabul. From that point, Noor’s rise through the ranks was swift and remarkable.

Noor Ahmad’s Domestic Career

Noor Ahmad’s domestic journey began at an extraordinarily young age. At just 14 years old, he made his first-class debut for Kabul Region in April 2019, showcasing maturity and control far beyond his years. Later that year, he made his T20 debut in the Shpageeza Cricket League, continuing to impress with his ability to bowl attacking lines in pressure situations.

His domestic performances earned him selection for the 2020 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he emerged as one of Afghanistan’s standout prospects. The tournament proved to be a turning point, exposing his rare left-arm wrist-spin to a global audience and opening doors to franchise opportunities worldwide.

Noor Ahmad’s International Career

Noor Ahmad made his international debut in June 2022 and, in a short span of time, established himself as one of Afghanistan’s most exciting young bowlers in white-ball cricket.

Noor Ahmad’s T20I Career 

Noor Ahmad made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe on 14 June 2022 in Harare and produced an immediate impact, claiming four wickets and earning the Player of the Match award. The performance instantly underlined his ability to translate domestic and age-group success to the international stage.

Since then, the wily spinner has become a regular part of Afghanistan’s T20I plans, valued for his ability to control the middle overs and pick up wickets against set batters. He was selected for Afghanistan’s squads at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and has since been named in the plans leading into the 2026 edition.

In T20 internationals, Noor has quickly built a reputation as a fearless young spinner capable of changing games despite his age.

Noor Ahmad’s ODI Career

Noor Ahmad made his ODI debut on 30 November 2022 against Sri Lanka, continuing his steady integration into Afghanistan’s limited-overs setup. His biggest milestone came during the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, where he made his World Cup debut against Pakistan in Chennai.

Noor became the youngest player to debut in the tournament, a moment that highlighted Afghanistan’s faith in his ability on the biggest stage. His ODI career remains in its early phases, but his control and temperament have already marked him out as a long-term option.

In ODIs, Noor Ahmad represents Afghanistan’s investment in youth, skill, and fearless spin bowling for the future.

Noor Ahmad’s IPL Career 

Noor Ahmad’s IPL journey reflects his rapid rise in global cricket. He was first signed by the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2022 auction for a modest fee, though he did not feature that season. His breakthrough came in IPL 2023, when he made his debut and formed a potent spin partnership with fellow Afghan Rashid Khan.

In IPL 2023, Noor took 16 wickets in 13 matches, playing a key role in the Gujarat Titans’ run to the final. His ability to strike in the middle overs and bowl with control earned widespread praise.

After being retained for IPL 2024, Noor continued to gain experience before a major career leap ahead of IPL 2025. Released by the Gujarat Titans, he was snapped up by the Chennai Super Kings for INR 10 crore, making him one of the most expensive young spinners in the auction.

Noor delivered instantly for CSK, producing a sensational debut performance of 4 for 18 against the Mumbai Indians. He finished the IPL 2025 season with 24 wickets, ending as CSK’s leading wicket-taker and the second-highest wicket-taker overall in the tournament. His performances cemented his status as one of the league’s premier young spinners.

(As of February 2026)