Noor Ahmad Reflects On CSK Journey, Eyes Asia Cup Glory For Afghanistan News24 –
In the whirlwind world of T20 cricket, where moments come and go in the blink of an eye, some memories etch themselves forever. For Afghanistan’s 20-year-old spin sensation Noor Ahmad, one such moment came not from a trophy or a record, but from sharing a dressing room with the legendary MS Dhoni.
As the Asia Cup 2025 kicks off this Tuesday, Noor enters the tournament with confidence, experience, and a heart still full from his breakout Indian Premier League season with the Chennai Super Kings – a campaign that changed everything for the young Afghan tweaker.
The Dhoni Effect: Simple Words, Lasting Impact
For Noor, who was snapped up for a massive Rs 10 crore at the IPL 2024 mega auction by CSK, expectations were sky-high. But it didn’t take long for the mystery spinner to deliver. On debut, he stunned everyone with a three-wicket haul, earning Player of the Match honours in an 83-run rout. He went on to claim 24 wickets in 14 games, finishing just behind India’s Prasidh Krishna in the race for the Purple Cap.
Still, when you ask Noor about the best part of his season?
“Getting Man of the Match in my first game was special, but playing alongside MS Dhoni was the real highlight. Of course,” Noor told ESPNcricinfo. “He keeps things very simple for everyone. You don’t have to think too much. He just says, ‘Assess the situation, do what is needed.’ He had complete trust in what I wanted to do. No pressure. We just had to stick to our strengths.”
That simplicity – Dhoni’s hallmark – clearly resonated with the young spinner, who thrived in the calm, clear environment created by the man they still call “Captain Cool.”
From Chepauk to Kabul: Carrying Confidence Home
Noor’s IPL success has translated into confidence on the international stage. He was a key figure in Afghanistan’s run to the final of the recent Tri-Series against Pakistan and Bangladesh, picking up five wickets in three matches at a miserly average of 12.00. In the final, he grabbed two wickets against Pakistan, but it wasn’t enough to take his team over the line.
Still, there’s a sense of something brewing in Afghan cricket. The belief is rising. The dream is growing.
“We were in the T20 World Cup semi-final last year. This year, we should be in the Asia Cup final. That’s the mindset,” Noor said. “Winning a trophy for the country – World Cup, Champions Trophy, any world tournament. It’s something that I’ll remember forever.”
The Face of a New Afghan Generation
At just 20, Noor Ahmad has already played under the brightest lights in world cricket. He bowled to the best, held his nerve under pressure, and now stands as one of the faces of Afghanistan’s promising future. Alongside the likes of Rashid Khan and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Noor represents a generation not just capable of challenging the best but beating them.
His craft with the ball – a blend of guile, flight, and spin – continues to evolve. But it’s his humility and hunger that make him one to watch.
Next Stop: Asia Cup 2025
As the Asia Cup gets underway in the UAE, Noor will once again be crucial to Afghanistan’s plans. With a well-rounded bowling attack and renewed confidence, the Afghans are no longer dark horses – they are contenders.
And while the dream of lifting a trophy for the country remains the ultimate goal, Noor Ahmad already knows that some milestones go beyond statistics.
He’s bowled under the pressure of packed stadiums. He heard the roar of the Chepauk crowd. He’s earned awards and applause. But for a young boy from Afghanistan, standing shoulder to shoulder with MS Dhoni – listening, learning, and earning trust – might just be the memory that lasts the longest.