Follow UsRavichandran Ashwin tried to kickstart his cricketing career off Indian shores with an International League T20 tournament (ILT20) contract. But he failed to get that as no team bid for him at his base price of $120,000.
However, his younger teammate at the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad, has secured a deal with the league as lead spinner of the last season’s finalists, Desert Vipers.
Noor, who was able to consistently remain better than Ashwin and hence become the prime spinner for CSK, is the first choice replacement for Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga. The Sri Lankan has prioritised his national duties over participation in the ILT20.
Noor, who first played in the inaugural edition of the league in 2022-23 for Sharjah Warriorz, has so far been a globetrotter, playing in leagues across the world.
Along with him, two other Afghan players, Qais Ahmad and fast bowler Faridoon Dawoodzai, are also present in the Vipers squad.
Talking about his deal, Ahmad, in a press release by the franchise, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo, said, "I played in the first season of the competition, and so I know what to expect from the conditions. With two other Afghanistan players in the squad, there will be some familiar faces for me as soon as I walk through the door."
The league’s 2025-26 season will kick off with a clash between last season’s finalists, the Vipers and Dubai Capitals on December 2.