Noor Ahmad signs with Desert Vipers for ILT20 2025-26
He replaces Wanindu Hasaranga, who is unavailable because of domestic commitments in Sri Lanka
ESPNcricinfo staff
08-Oct-2025 • 11 hrs ago
Noor Ahmad was the second highest wicket-taker in this year's IPL • BCCI
Afghanistan left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad has joined the Desert Vipers squad for the fourth season of the ILT20. The 20-year-old was signed by the franchise as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga, who will be unavailable for the tournament due to commitments for Sri Lanka.
Noor has a wealth of experience in the franchise T20 circuit, having played in the IPL, Hundred, CPL, SA20, BBL and PSL among other leagues. He has also appeared in the ILT20 once before, in its inaugural season in 2022-23, when he played seven matches for Sharjah Warriorz.
Noor has played 14 T20s in the UAE, of which 10 were for Afghanistan. He has 15 wickets in the country at an average of 23.73 and economy of 6.84. He joins two other Afghanistan players spinner Qais Ahmad and fast bowler Faridoon Dawoodzai in the Vipers squad.
"I played in the first season of the competition and so I know what to expect from conditions," Noor said. "With two other Afghanistan players in the squad there will be some familiar faces for me as soon as I walk through the door."
Desert Vipers have reached the finals of the ILT20 twice - in the previous edition and the first one in 2022-23 - but lost on both occasions. They lost to the Gulf Giants in the first final, while the Dubai Capitals won the title in a final-over finish in the 2024 edition.
Vipers and Capitals will play the opening match of this year's tournament in Dubai on December 2, in a repeat of the previous year's final. Noor is expected to be available for the whole tournament.