ILT20 2025-26: Afghan Spinner Noor Ahmad Joins Desert Vipers as Hasaranga’s Replacement

Noor Ahmad has joined Desert Vipers for the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025–2026 season. Noor previously participated in the tournament as a member of the Sharjah Warriorz during its first season in 2022–2023. Wanindu Hasaranga was replaced by the left-arm spinner because the leg-spinner would be unavailable due to Sri Lankan national commitments.

Wanindu Hasaranga, who is unavailable because of his obligations with Sri Lanka, will be replaced by the 20-year-old. Noor has extensive experience from a variety of franchise T20 tournaments, including the IPL, Hundred, CPL, SA20, BBL, and PSL.

Noor has represented Afghanistan in ten of the fourteen games in the format that he has played in the United Arab Emirates. At an outstanding economy rate and average of 6.84 and 23.73, respectively, he has taken 15 wickets in the nation. He will join the Vipers' squad alongside fellow countrymen Faridoon Dawoodzai and Qais Ahmad. He exuded confidence in his ability to excel in the competition by fully understanding the conditions.

Afghan Spinner Noor Ahmad's New Venture:

ILT20: Desert Vipers rope in Afghanistan wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad pic.twitter.com/261eIWRI3i

— Gags (@CatchOfThe40986) October 8, 2025

Regarding his comeback to the ILT20, Noor stated that he is aware of the conditions in the United Arab Emirates. He said, "I played in the first season of the competition, and so I know what to expect from conditions." He also mentioned how thrilled he was to be included in the Vipers squad alongside two other Afghan players, fast bowler Faridoon Dawoodzai and spinner Qais Ahmad.

The Vipers have previously advanced to the ILT20 finals twice. Both the inaugural edition in 2022–2023 and the preceding one did so. On both occasions, though, they were defeated. In their first final, they lost to the Gulf Giants. However, in the 2024–25 edition, the Dubai Capitals emerged victorious in an exciting final-over conclusion. On December 2, the Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers will square off in the fourth edition.

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