Afghan wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad has joined the Desert Vipers for ILT20 2025-26, replacing fellow spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. The Sri Lankan star has domestic commitments, so the team turned to Noor.Â
In 2025, he took 24 wickets in the IPL, and in 2024, he was the Player of the Tournament in the Caribbean Premier League. With the tournament beginning on 2 December in Dubai, supporters wonder whether the side can thrive without him, and whether Noor’s form will continue.
Noor Ahmad’s rise ahead of ILT20 2025-26
Despite being just twenty, Noor Ahmad has packed a lifetime of T20 experience into a career. He has dazzled in the IPL and CPL, finishing second in the IPL bowling charts and topping the wickets tally in the Caribbean league.Â
Afghanistan’s coaches laud his miserly T20I economy. He even turned out for Sharjah Warriorz in the first ILT20 season.Â
The Vipers hope his craft will ease that loss ahead of ILT20 2025-26. Noor told reporters he loves UAE conditions and looks forward to bowling alongside compatriots Qais Ahmad and Faridoon Dawoodzai.
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Replacing Wanindu Hasaranga for ILT20 2025-26: A Strategic Move
Wanindu Hasaranga’s withdrawal from the tournament left a void. Director of Cricket Tom Moody admitted that the Vipers will miss him, but said Ahmad’s spin and knowledge of UAE conditions make him a worthy successor.Â
His 15 wickets in 14 UAE matches support that view. Replacing an all-rounder with a specialist spinner is bold, yet with Sam Curran and Fakhar Zaman, the Vipers believe they can cover Hasaranga’s runs. If Noor bowls well, this gamble could define the tournament.
ILT20 2025-26 Player Signing Alert
Desert Vipers have signed Noor Ahmad
as replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga
who will be unavailable due to LPL clash. #ILT2026 pic.twitter.com/GWM829qgI4
— T20 Franchise Rosters (Men) (@t20tracker) October 8, 2025
Outlook for ILT20 2025-26: what Noor Ahmad brings to Desert Vipers
The Desert Vipers have been to the ILT20 final two times and lost to Gulf Giants and Dubai Capitals. Their chances this season depend on if he can take the place of Wanindu Hasaranga.Â
He will likely form an Afghan spin trio with Qais Ahmad and Faridoon Dawoodzai. His résumé – 24 IPL wickets, 22 in the CPL, prior league experience and a miserly T20I economy – explains the excitement.Â
On slow UAE tracks, his spin could be decisive. If he delivers and the batting group fires, the Vipers might finally lift the trophy. Selecting Noor for the tournament shows the club trusts his bowling over the all-round brilliance of Hasaranga.Â
They will miss him, but a spinner comfortable in UAE conditions could be the difference. I’ll watch to see if this bold call transforms near misses into a title.
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FAQs
Who is Noor Ahmad?
He is a 20-year-old Afghan spinner who was signed by the Desert Vipers after Wanindu Hasaranga withdrew.
Why isn’t Hasaranga playing?
He has Sri Lankan domestic commitments and must skip this edition.
Has Noor Ahmad played in ILT20 before?
Yes. He represented Sharjah Warriorz in the league’s first season.
How have the Vipers fared previously?
They reached two finals but lost both to Gulf Giants and Dubai Capitals.
What impact could Noor have?
His wicket-taking skills and ease on UAE pitches could help them finally win the competition.
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