Full Name: Noor Ahmad Lakanwal Date of Birth: January 3, 2005 Birthplace: Herat, Afghanistan Teams: Afghanistan National Team, Gujarat Titans (IPL), Quetta Gladiators (PSL), Melbourne Renegades (BBL), Colombo Strikers (LPL), Kabul Eagles In the world of cricket, every now and then, a young star emerges who seems destined for greatness. For Afghanistan, that shining light is Noor Ahmad, the teenage spin wizard whose maturity and control belie his age. Born in Herat, a city known more for its culture than cricket, Noor’s rise to fame is a remarkable story of talent, timing, and tenacity. Noor Ahmad grew up idolizing Afghanistan’s spin legends, especially Rashid Khan, whose explosive impact on world cricket served as both inspiration and blueprint. Watching Rashid’s rapid rise, Noor picked up a cricket ball as a child and never looked back. What made him stand out early was his ability to bowl left-arm wrist spin — a rare and deceptive art in world cricket. Combined with a calm demeanor and a sharp cricketing brain, Noor quickly rose through age-group levels. He made headlines when he was signed by the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL) at just 15 — making him one of the youngest overseas players in the tournament’s history. Despite being a teenager, he impressed with his temperament and turn, catching the eyes of global scouts and cricketing legends. His performances in the BBL earned him stints in other major leagues, including the Pakistan Super League and the Lanka Premier League, where he continued to shine. Noor’s dream came true in 2021, when he was called up to the Afghanistan national team. He made his T20I debut in 2022 and has since been a regular feature in the white-ball setup. His breakthrough came in the 2023 T20 World Cup, where his performances were lauded for their variation, control, and ability to outsmart batters. Noor’s bowling is characterized by quick arm speed, sharp googlies, and clever flight, making him a constant wicket-taking threat. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Noor Ahmad found his big break with the Gujarat Titans, where he played alongside his mentor Rashid Khan. The combination of Rashid and Noor formed a deadly spin duo, wreaking havoc on opposition batting lineups. Noor’s match-winning performances, including tight spells and clutch wickets, helped Gujarat reach consecutive IPL finals. He was particularly praised for his composure under pressure — rare for someone so young. Despite his rising fame, Noor remains grounded. Off the field, he is soft-spoken and humble, often crediting his teammates, coaches, and family for his success. He is also known for his close bond with fellow young Afghan cricketers like Fazalhaq Farooqi and Ibrahim Zadran, who represent Afghanistan’s next generation. With his skill, discipline, and hunger to learn, Noor Ahmad is not just a future star — he is a present force. He symbolizes Afghanistan’s bright cricketing future: fearless, skillful, and ready to challenge the best in the world. For a nation that has become a factory of spin talent, Noor is the new face — one that promises to carry Afghan cricket to even greater heights.