The buildup to the IPL 2026 auction has started to heat up with all the franchises set to confirm their core retention and upcoming season strategies.
Among the most notable trends this season is the strong backing Afghan players have received from their respective teams, reflecting their growing influence in T20 cricket worldwide.
Chennai Super Kings, known for balancing youth and experience, are set to retain left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad. The 19-year-old impressed in limited outings during the previous season, showing maturity beyond his age under MS Dhoni’s leadership. With the Chepauk pitch often assisting spin, CSK view Noor as their long-term successor to Ravindra Jadeja in the spin department.
Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, are all set to retain Allah Ghazanfar, another promising Afghan spinner who turned heads with his control and calmness in high-pressure moments. Ghazanfar was ruled out from IPL 2025 with an injury, but MI want to preserve the top talent in their ranks.
His retention marks MI’s continued investment in developing young international bowlers, adding to their legacy of nurturing talent globally.
Gujarat Titans are not letting go of Rashid Khan, their match-winner and one of the tournament’s most reliable T20 bowlers. Rashid, who has been central to GT’s success since their debut title in 2022, remains indispensable to their attack.
Amid this, Kolkata Knight Riders’ verdict on Rahmanullah Gurbaz remains in doubt. Gurbaz hasn’t been a regular for KKR since IPL 2024, and his position in the team is not guaranteed. Although he cost just Rs 2 crore for the Knights, the franchise may look to ship him off if they identify better options.
Elsewhere, Azmatullah Omarzai is set to be retained by Punjab Kings, while Fazalhaq Farooqi’s fate with the Rajasthan Royals looks bleak. Sediqullah Atal was roped in by Delhi Capitals as a replacement last season, but the southpaw is likely to return to the auction.