Afghanistan cricket has earned real respect in the IPL. Their bowlers don’t just fill slots; they win matches.
IPL 2026 again shows that Afghan players are among the most trusted overseas picks.
Four players secured retention deals before the auction even started. That tells you everything about how teams view their value.
This guide covers every Afghan player in IPL 2026, their teams, prices, and what to expect from each one.
Afghanistan Players in IPL 2026
Quick Summary:
- Main keyword: Afghanistan Players in IPL 2026
- Total Afghan players retained: 4
- Total unsold at auction: 6
- Highest retention price: Rashid Khan at ₹18 crore
- Teams with Afghan players: Gujarat Titans, CSK, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings
Key Highlights:
- Rashid Khan remains the highest-paid Afghan player in IPL history
- Noor Ahmad was retained by CSK for ₹10 crore
- AM Ghazanfar secured a ₹4.80 crore deal with the Mumbai Indians
- Six Afghan players went unsold, including Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- All four retained players are bowlers or all-rounders
Afghan Players Retained for IPL 2026
Franchises made their big calls before the auction. Four Afghan players were retained directly. That shows long-term confidence in their skills.
| Player | Role | Team | Retained Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rashid Khan | All-rounder | Gujarat Titans | ₹18.00 Cr |
| Noor Ahmad | Bowler | Chennai Super Kings | ₹10.00 Cr |
| AM Ghazanfar | Bowler | Mumbai Indians | ₹4.80 Cr |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | All-rounder | Punjab Kings | ₹2.40 Cr |
Rashid Khan IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans’ Match-Winner
Rashid Khan’s IPL 2026 price of ₹18 crore puts him among the top retained overseas players this season.
Gujarat Titans didn’t hesitate. He’s been their go-to weapon since the franchise started.
His leg-spin is hard to attack in the middle overs.
He concedes few runs, picks up key wickets, and contributes with the bat when needed. Teams build their bowling plans around him.
For anyone searching “Rashid Khan IPL 2026,” know this: he’s the most complete Afghan cricketer in T20 cricket today.
Noor Ahmad: CSK’s Spin Ace
Chennai Super Kings paid ₹10 crore to keep Noor Ahmad. That’s a strong statement for a young left-arm wrist spinner.
Noor’s ability to turn the ball both ways makes him dangerous on spin-friendly Chepauk pitches.
CSK clearly sees him as a long-term asset, not just a one-season pick.
AM Ghazanfar: Mumbai Indians’ Rising Star
Mumbai Indians retained AM Ghazanfar for ₹4.80 crore. He’s an off-spin bowler with a sharp googly and smart variations.
At his age, getting retained by a franchise like MI is a big deal. Expect him to play a key role in the powerplay and middle overs.
Azmatullah Omarzai: Punjab Kings’ All-Round Option
Punjab Kings kept Omarzai for ₹2.40 crore. He offers seam bowling and can contribute with the bat lower down the order.
He’s not flashy, but he’s useful. That balance matters in T20 cricket, especially when your top order struggles.
Afghan Players Unsold in IPL 2026 Auction
Six Afghan players entered the auction but didn’t find buyers. Limited overseas slots made it tough, even for proven names.
| Player | Role | Base Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | Bowler | ₹2.00 Cr | Unsold |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | WK-Batter | ₹1.50 Cr | Unsold |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Bowler | ₹1.00 Cr | Unsold |
| Waqar Salamkheil | Bowler | ₹1.00 Cr | Unsold |
| Sediqullah Atal | Batter | ₹75 Lakh | Unsold |
| Wahidullah Zadran | Bowler | ₹30 Lakh | Unsold |
Mujeeb Ur Rahman going unsold is the biggest surprise. He’s an experienced and skillful spinner.
But teams had already filled their overseas spin slots before the auction reached him.
Why so many unsold?
- Overseas spots in each squad are limited
- Teams retained bowlers early, leaving no gaps
- Franchises prefer all-rounders who add batting depth
Team-by-Team Breakdown: Afghan Players in IPL 2026
| IPL Team | Afghan Player | Role | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans | Rashid Khan | All-rounder | ₹18.00 Cr |
| Chennai Super Kings | Noor Ahmad | Bowler | ₹10.00 Cr |
| Mumbai Indians | AM Ghazanfar | Bowler | ₹4.80 Cr |
| Punjab Kings | Azmatullah Omarzai | All-rounder | ₹2.40 Cr |
Expert Analysis: What Afghanistan Brings to IPL 2026?
Afghan players in IPL 2026 are all about bowling. Every retained player is either a specialist bowler or brings bowling as their main skill.
This is not by accident. IPL teams have learned that Afghan spinners are among the best in the world at this format.
They bowl tight lines, use variations smartly, and stay calm under pressure.
What makes Afghan bowlers valuable in T20 cricket?
- They grow up playing on spin-friendly pitches in Afghanistan
- Their variations (googlies, flippers, sliders) are hard to read
- They’re used to bowling in high-pressure situations for their national team
- They cost fewer points than the top batting all-rounders
The only gap in Afghanistan’s IPL story is batting. Gurbaz going unsold shows that pure Afghan batters haven’t yet cracked the IPL market.
Tactical note: Rashid and Noor bowling together in the same IPL match (if they face each other) would be a treat. Two different styles of spin, both world-class.
Mohammad Nabi IPL 2026: Current Status
Mohammad Nabi is one of Afghanistan’s most experienced T20 players. But for IPL 2026, Nabi did not feature in the retained list or as a confirmed squad member.
Fans searching for “Mohammad Nabi IPL 2026” or “Mohammad Nabi IPL auction 2026” should note: he was not part of the main auction cycle covered here.
His absence from the Afghan IPL players in IPL 2026 list reflects the tough competition for overseas slots.
Nabi has played for several IPL teams in past seasons. His all-round skills (off-spin and hard-hitting batting) have always made him a useful pick. But IPL 2026 appears to be a season he sits out.
If there are any late additions or injury replacements during the season, Nabi could still enter the picture. He has the experience and skill to perform at this level.
Top 10 Afghanistan Cricket Players in IPL: Historical Impact
When you look at the top 10 Afghanistan cricket players in IPL history, a clear pattern shows up. Spin dominates.
Most impactful Afghan players in IPL history:
- Rashid Khan (most wickets, best economy among Afghan bowlers)
- Mohammad Nabi (useful all-rounder across multiple teams)
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman (sharp spinner with mystery variations)
- Noor Ahmad (rising fast, already a CSK retained asset)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (explosive opener, though unsold in 2026)
- AM Ghazanfar (emerging talent, retained by MI)
- Azmatullah Omarzai (growing all-round value)
- Fazalhaq Farooqi (left-arm pace, not yet found IPL footing)
- Naveen-ul-Haq (appeared in past IPL seasons)
- Waqar Salamkheil (wrist-spin variation, needs more opportunities)
This list shows that Afghan cricket’s IPL strength sits firmly in bowling, with Rashid Khan at the top by a clear margin.
Practical Takeaway for Fans and Fantasy Players
If you’re picking fantasy teams, Afghan bowlers offer strong value. Rashid Khan is always worth picking when the Gujarat Titans play.
His wicket-taking ability and low economy rate make him a reliable captain option.
Noor Ahmad at Chepauk (CSK’s home ground) is another smart pick. Left-arm wrist spin on a turning pitch is a real threat.
Ghazanfar is worth watching as the season goes on. MI often uses him in key moments, and he has the skill to deliver.
FAQs:
- How many Afghanistan players are in IPL 2026?
Four Afghan players are confirmed in IPL 2026 squads. They are Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, and Azmatullah Omarzai.
- What is Rashid Khan’s IPL 2026 price?
Rashid Khan was retained by the Gujarat Titans for ₹18 crore. This makes him one of the highest-paid overseas players retained ahead of IPL 2026.
- Which team did Mohammad Nabi get in IPL 2026?
Mohammad Nabi did not secure a team for IPL 2026. He was not retained or picked up during the auction cycle covered in this article.
- Why did Mujeeb Ur Rahman go unsold in IPL 2026?
Mujeeb Ur Rahman went unsold because most teams had already filled their overseas spin spots through retention. Limited overseas slots left a few openings at auction.
- Which Afghan player is retained by Chennai Super Kings?
Noor Ahmad was retained by Chennai Super Kings for ₹10 crore ahead of IPL 2026.
Conclusion:
Afghanistan’s presence in IPL 2026 is small but focused. Four players, four different teams, and all four in roles that directly impact match results.
Rashid Khan leads the way as always. Noor Ahmad and Ghazanfar show that the next generation is ready. Omarzai adds balance where Punjab needs it most.
The unsold players, especially Mujeeb, deserve another shot. But the IPL system limits how many overseas players each team can field. That’s the reality Afghan players face, no matter how good they are.
Watch for Rashid and Noor to be among the most talked-about bowlers of IPL 2026. Afghanistan’s cricket story in the IPL is still being written, and the best chapters may still be ahead.
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