In the world of cricket, few nations have produced a more captivating and formidable lineup of spin bowlers in recent times than Afghanistan. Following in the illustrious footsteps of legends like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, a new name has emerged, capturing the attention of cricket fans and pundits alike: Noor Ahmad. This young left-arm wrist spinner is not just a talented cricketer; he represents the future of Afghan cricket, bringing a fresh, deceptive style to the game that has left many a batsman bamboozled. His rapid rise from a domestic prodigy to a global T20 sensation is a story of raw talent, hard work, and the unique spin-bowling tradition of his homeland.
Born on January 3, 2005, in Khost, Afghanistan, Noor Ahmad Lakanwal was destined for the cricketing field. Surrounded by a generation of cricketers who had already shown the world the power of Afghan spin, he began his journey at a very young age. His early life was immersed in the sport, and he quickly stood out for his unique bowling action. While many spinners rely on a classical approach, Noor developed a left-arm wrist spin that was both quick and mysterious, a rare combination that has become his trademark. He is the youngest of eight children and hails from the Lakan Spinki Bori village in Khost Province.
A Meteoric Rise Through the Ranks
Noor Ahmad’s journey to international cricket was anything but slow. He didn’t have to wait for years to make his mark; his talent was so undeniable that he was fast-tracked into the spotlight. He made his first-class debut for Kabul Region on April 29, 2019, at just 14 years old. The same year, in October, he played his first T20 match for Mis Ainak Knights in the Shpageeza Cricket League. These early experiences in domestic cricket laid the foundation for his future success and caught the eye of national selectors.
In December 2019, at a time when most teenagers are focused on school and other activities, Noor was named in Afghanistan’s squad for the 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. His performances in the tournament solidified his reputation as one of the most promising young talents in world cricket. He was a key player in Afghanistan’s Under-19 team, taking 10 wickets in the 2022 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, a performance that showcased his ability to handle pressure on a big stage and set the stage for his senior international debut.
Conquering the Global Stage: The T20 Franchise Circuit
Noor Ahmad’s true breakthrough came in the world of T20 franchise leagues. Following the path of his fellow countrymen, he became a highly sought-after commodity for teams looking for a unique and effective spin option. His journey began when he was signed by the St Lucia Zouks for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in July 2020. This was a significant step, as it exposed him to different conditions and high-pressure situations.
His growing reputation led to a contract with the Melbourne Renegades for the 2020-21 Big Bash League (BBL), where he made history as the youngest player to ever feature in the tournament. He was later included as a net bowler for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and played for the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), gaining invaluable experience and exposure to the world’s best cricketers.
The turning point in his career came at the 2022 IPL auction when the Gujarat Titans acquired him. He made an instant impact in his debut IPL season, proving to be a game-changer with his left-arm wrist spin. He finished the season with 16 wickets, playing a crucial role in his team’s journey to the final. His ability to perform consistently and get wickets in the middle overs made him a crucial asset. His success in the T20 leagues continued, culminating in him being signed by the Chennai Super Kings for the 2025 IPL season, a testament to his value as a franchise player.
International Glory: A Debut to Remember
Noor Ahmad’s impressive performances in the T20 leagues earned him a well-deserved call-up to the Afghanistan national team. He made his T20I debut on June 14, 2022, against Zimbabwe. It was a debut to remember, as he picked up four wickets and was rightly named the Player of the Match. This performance was a clear statement that he was ready for the big stage.
Later in the same year, on November 30, 2022, he made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Sri Lanka. His journey reached a new pinnacle when he was selected for the 2023 ODI World Cup squad, and he made his World Cup debut against Pakistan on October 23, 2023, becoming the youngest debutant in the tournament’s history at just 18 years old. His rapid progression from a promising teenager to a key member of the national squad highlights his immense talent and dedication.
Bowling Style: The Art of Left-Arm Wrist Spin
Noor Ahmad’s bowling style is a fascinating and rare art form. As a left-arm wrist spinner, he belongs to a special category of bowlers who can turn the ball both ways. He bowls a traditional wrist-spinner (chinaman) that turns away from the right-handed batsman, but his real weapon is his deceptive googly, which turns into the batsman.
What makes his bowling so difficult to face is his pace. He bowls much quicker than a typical spinner, not giving the batsman enough time to read his variations from the hand. His subtle changes in grip and wrist position are almost imperceptible, making it a guessing game for the batter. He also maintains a tight and economical line and length, which makes it challenging for batsmen to score runs freely. His ability to consistently bowl at a high speed with accuracy and deception has made him a go-to bowler for his captains in the crucial middle overs of an innings.
A Legacy in the Making
Noor Ahmad’s career is still in its early stages, but he has already achieved milestones that many cricketers can only dream of. He has become a fixture in both the Afghanistan national team and the world’s most competitive T20 leagues. His journey is a powerful reminder of the incredible talent pipeline that Afghanistan has developed, especially in the art of spin bowling.
He has already made his mark with record-breaking achievements, including being the youngest player in BBL history and the youngest debutant in the ODI World Cup. His performances in the 2025 IPL season, where he was a key wicket-taker for the Chennai Super Kings, further cemented his status as a world-class spinner.
As he continues to grow and develop, Noor Ahmad is poised to become one of the most dominant spinners of his generation. He represents not just a new chapter for Afghanistan cricket, but also the evolution of spin bowling in the modern era. His success story is an inspiration, showcasing how a young talent from a non-traditional cricketing nation can rise to prominence on the global stage.
Conclusion
Noor Ahmad’s biography is a testament to the fact that with immense talent and unwavering determination, a young individual can conquer the world of cricket. From the dusty pitches of his homeland to the floodlit stadiums of the world’s biggest leagues, his journey is a thrilling narrative of a spin-bowling prodigy. He is a key player for Afghanistan, a valuable asset in franchise cricket, and a source of hope for millions of young cricketers. As he continues to master his craft, the world will be watching with bated breath to see what new heights this young star will reach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Noor Ahmad’s primary bowling style?
Noor Ahmad is a left-arm wrist-spinner, also known as a chinaman bowler. He is known for his unique and deceptive bowling style, which includes a difficult-to-read googly.
2. Which IPL teams has Noor Ahmad played for?
Noor Ahmad was first a net bowler for the Chennai Super Kings in 2021. He made his IPL debut with the Gujarat Titans in 2022 and later joined the Chennai Super Kings as a player for the 2025 season.
3. What is Noor Ahmad’s most significant achievement so far?
One of his most notable achievements is being the youngest player to make a debut in the ODI World Cup, at just 18 years old. He has also had a very successful debut season in the IPL with the Gujarat Titans, taking 16 wickets.
4. How old was Noor Ahmad when he made his international debut?
Noor Ahmad made his T20I debut for Afghanistan on June 14, 2022. He was 17 years old at the time.
5. How does Noor Ahmad’s bowling differ from other spinners?
Noor Ahmad’s bowling is unique because of his quick pace and his ability to deliver both the chinaman and the googly with a subtle, hard-to-read action. He bowls much faster than a conventional spinner, which gives the batsmen less time to react and pick his variations.
