Afghan players deliver impactful performances as the UAE’s ILT20 season begins.
Dubai | Sayed Nabi Hamdard
The 2025 edition of the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20) began with a strong statement from the Desert Vipers, who defeated the Dubai Capitals by six wickets in the opening match.
Several Afghan players featured prominently in the fixture. Noor Ahmad claimed two wickets, demonstrating his continued rise as one of the league’s most effective young spinners. Mohammad Nabi finished with one wicket and contributed 29 runs, providing stability in both innings.
Gulbadin Naib took one wicket but was dismissed for zero with the bat, while Waqar Salamkheil impressed with two wickets.
Sediqullah Atal added 16 runs, rounding out a collectively strong Afghan showing on opening night.
The International League T20 has quickly become one of the UAE’s most prominent cricket competitions, drawing elite players from across the world and offering a major stage for Afghan talent. Afghan cricketers have played influential roles in previous editions, and their performances continue to be closely followed by fans at home and abroad. The strong contributions in the opening match suggest another competitive season ahead for Afghanistan’s expanding group of franchise-level athletes.