Afghanistan has gifted the cricketing world some of the most promising players. The spinners that the country has produced are nothing less than exceptional. They have stunned the best in the business and helped Afghan cricket progress big time. In an attempt to unearth more talent, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has come up the <strong>APL (Afghanistan Premier League)</strong>.

Just a few matches into the league, there is already some great talent who are putting up their skills on display. Some of these players could be bagging a huge IPL deal next year. We&#8217;ve already seen the likes of Rashid Khan, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bbl-2018-19-brisbane-heat-bring-in-afghanistans-teenage-spinner-mujeeb-ur-rahman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mujeeb Ur Rahman</strong></a> and Mohammad Nabi do well in the cash-rich league and a few more could be added to the list next year,

Here are the five Afghanistan players who can bag an IPL deal:

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-285838" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hazratullah-Zazai.jpg" alt="Hazratullah Zazai" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-285838" class="wp-caption-text">Hazratullah Zazai. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The 20-year-old Hazratullah Zazai is just about finding his feet in international cricket. He has played two ODIs and three T20 Internationals for Afghanistan in his brief career. Although he made his debut in the shortest format back in 2016, Zazai was dropped after just getting two chances.

The left-handed opener has worked hard on his technique since then and made his way back into the team. In the ongoing inaugural edition of the APL, he has scored 169 runs in 4 innings at an average of 42. His 124-run knock off just 55 balls against Nangarhar Leopards has impressed everyone. Kings XI Punjab could be fancying having him in their side next season where he could open the innings with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitterati-slam-kl-rahul-for-failing-to-score-once-again/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>KL Rahul</strong></a>. 

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-286622" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Mohammad-Shahzad.jpg" alt="Mohammad Shahzad" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-286622" class="wp-caption-text">Mohammad Shahzad. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Regarded as Afghanistan&#8217;s <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ms-dhoni-can-read-bowlers-body-language-from-behind-the-stumps-yuzvendra-chahal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MS Dhoni</strong></a>, Mohammad Shahzad is extremely popular. This 30-year-old hefty wicket-keeper batsman is leading the Paktia Panthers in APL 2018. Having made his international debut in 2009, he has witnessed Afghanistan cricket grow in the last few years. Quite obviously, he is also one of the most experienced players in their side.

While many expected that Shahzad would be picked at the IPL 2018 auction, the aggressive opener went unsold. However, his performance this season where he scored 162 runs in three innings at an average of 54 should get bidders interested in him. He also scored a scintillating century against India in the Asia Cup to make a statement. Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are in search of a reliable keeper who can fire with the bat, could show some keen interest on him.

3. Hashmatullah Shahidi | Nangarhar Leopards

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-281881" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hashmatullah-Shahidi.jpg" alt="Hashmatullah Shahidi" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-281881" class="wp-caption-text">Hashmatullah Shahidi. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Although the performance of the Nangarhar Leopards hasn&#8217;t been as convincing thus far, Hashmatullah Shahidi has already made a name for himself. This 23-year-old debuted for Afghanistan in 2013 but his career took the downslope after that. However, the left-hander rejuvenated himself in the recently concluded <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tag/asia-cup-2018/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Asia Cup</strong></a> where he held the team&#8217;s innings together in almost every game.

Shahidi has only played 26 ODIs through all these years but is turning out to be one of the important members in the Afghan side going forward. Shahidi, in APL 2018, has scored 113 runs in 4 innings at an average of 56.50. Sides like Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab, who do not have a strong middle order, could be looking out for him.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-285485" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Gulbadin-Naib.jpg" alt="Gulbadin Naib" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-285485" class="wp-caption-text">Gulbadin Naib. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Having started his career as a promising all-rounder, Naib struggled to deliver consistently initially in his career. As a result, he was in and out of the side on many occasions. But then, this bowling all-rounder completely reinvented himself when he made a comeback in 2016.

Since then, there hasn&#8217;t been any looking back for him and continues to be a crucial member in the Afghanistan side. He bowls right-arm medium pace and adds a few valuable runs with the bat down the order. He has picked nine wickets in four matches this season. The likes of Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians and the <strong>Chennai Super Kings</strong> could be interested in getting him into their team.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-286629" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Aftab-Alam.jpg" alt="Aftab Alam" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-286629" class="wp-caption-text">Aftab Alam. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Since his debut in 2010, Aftab Alam only played a handful of games for <strong>Afghanistan</strong>. But this right-arm bowler is just about finding to where he belongs and has delivered with his performances in the recent times. He featured in 20 ODIs for his national team and picked 27 wickets. In the 13 T20Is, he accounted for 15 scalps.

Alam is one of the most reliable pacers in Afghanistan at the moment. He has picked five wickets in four matches thus far and is only improving with every passing match. He is found wanting at the death sometimes but will improve with more exposure in the near future.

<p>Afghanistan has gifted the cricketing world some of the most promising players. The spinners that the country has produced are nothing less than exceptional. They have stunned the best in the business and helped Afghan cricket progress big time. In an attempt to unearth more talent, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has come up the <strong>APL (Afghanistan Premier League)</strong>.</p>
<p>Just a few matches into the league, there is already some great talent who are putting up their skills on display. Some of these players could be bagging a huge IPL deal next year. We’ve already seen the likes of Rashid Khan, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bbl-2018-19-brisbane-heat-bring-in-afghanistans-teenage-spinner-mujeeb-ur-rahman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mujeeb Ur Rahman</strong></a> and Mohammad Nabi do well in the cash-rich league and a few more could be added to the list next year,</p>
<h3>Here are the five Afghanistan players who can bag an IPL deal:</h3>
<h3>1. Hazratullah Zazai | Kabul Zwanan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_285838" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-285838" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-285838" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hazratullah-Zazai.jpg" alt="Hazratullah Zazai" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-285838" class="wp-caption-text">Hazratullah Zazai. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The 20-year-old Hazratullah Zazai is just about finding his feet in international cricket. He has played two ODIs and three T20 Internationals for Afghanistan in his brief career. Although he made his debut in the shortest format back in 2016, Zazai was dropped after just getting two chances.</p>
<p>The left-handed opener has worked hard on his technique since then and made his way back into the team. In the ongoing inaugural edition of the APL, he has scored 169 runs in 4 innings at an average of 42. His 124-run knock off just 55 balls against Nangarhar Leopards has impressed everyone. Kings XI Punjab could be fancying having him in their side next season where he could open the innings with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitterati-slam-kl-rahul-for-failing-to-score-once-again/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>KL Rahul</strong></a>.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>2. Mohammad Shahzad | Paktia Panthers</h3>
<figure id="attachment_286622" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-286622" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-286622" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Mohammad-Shahzad.jpg" alt="Mohammad Shahzad" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-286622" class="wp-caption-text">Mohammad Shahzad. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Regarded as Afghanistan’s <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ms-dhoni-can-read-bowlers-body-language-from-behind-the-stumps-yuzvendra-chahal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MS Dhoni</strong></a>, Mohammad Shahzad is extremely popular. This 30-year-old hefty wicket-keeper batsman is leading the Paktia Panthers in APL 2018. Having made his international debut in 2009, he has witnessed Afghanistan cricket grow in the last few years. Quite obviously, he is also one of the most experienced players in their side.</p>
<p>While many expected that Shahzad would be picked at the IPL 2018 auction, the aggressive opener went unsold. However, his performance this season where he scored 162 runs in three innings at an average of 54 should get bidders interested in him. He also scored a scintillating century against India in the Asia Cup to make a statement. Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are in search of a reliable keeper who can fire with the bat, could show some keen interest on him.</p>
<h3>3. Hashmatullah Shahidi | Nangarhar Leopards</h3>
<figure id="attachment_281881" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-281881" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-281881" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hashmatullah-Shahidi.jpg" alt="Hashmatullah Shahidi" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-281881" class="wp-caption-text">Hashmatullah Shahidi. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Although the performance of the Nangarhar Leopards hasn’t been as convincing thus far, Hashmatullah Shahidi has already made a name for himself. This 23-year-old debuted for Afghanistan in 2013 but his career took the downslope after that. However, the left-hander rejuvenated himself in the recently concluded <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tag/asia-cup-2018/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Asia Cup</strong></a> where he held the team’s innings together in almost every game.</p>
<p>Shahidi has only played 26 ODIs through all these years but is turning out to be one of the important members in the Afghan side going forward. Shahidi, in APL 2018, has scored 113 runs in 4 innings at an average of 56.50. Sides like Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab, who do not have a strong middle order, could be looking out for him.</p>
<h3>4. Gulbadin Naib | Balkh Legends</h3>
<figure id="attachment_285485" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-285485" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-285485" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Gulbadin-Naib.jpg" alt="Gulbadin Naib" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-285485" class="wp-caption-text">Gulbadin Naib. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Having started his career as a promising all-rounder, Naib struggled to deliver consistently initially in his career. As a result, he was in and out of the side on many occasions. But then, this bowling all-rounder completely reinvented himself when he made a comeback in 2016.</p>
<p>Since then, there hasn’t been any looking back for him and continues to be a crucial member in the Afghanistan side. He bowls right-arm medium pace and adds a few valuable runs with the bat down the order. He has picked nine wickets in four matches this season. The likes of Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians and the <strong>Chennai Super Kings</strong> could be interested in getting him into their team.</p>
<h3>5. Aftab Alam | Balkh Legends</h3>
<figure id="attachment_286629" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-286629" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-286629" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Aftab-Alam.jpg" alt="Aftab Alam" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-286629" class="wp-caption-text">Aftab Alam. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since his debut in 2010, Aftab Alam only played a handful of games for <strong>Afghanistan</strong>. But this right-arm bowler is just about finding to where he belongs and has delivered with his performances in the recent times. He featured in 20 ODIs for his national team and picked 27 wickets. In the 13 T20Is, he accounted for 15 scalps.</p>
<p>Alam is one of the most reliable pacers in Afghanistan at the moment. He has picked five wickets in four matches thus far and is only improving with every passing match. He is found wanting at the death sometimes but will improve with more exposure in the near future.</p>

<p>Afghanistan has gifted the cricketing world some of the most promising players. The spinners that the country has produced are nothing less than exceptional. They have stunned the best in the business and helped Afghan cricket progress big time. In an attempt to unearth more talent, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has come up the <strong>APL (Afghanistan Premier League)</strong>.</p>
<p>Just a few matches into the league, there is already some great talent who are putting up their skills on display. Some of these players could be bagging a huge IPL deal next year. We&#8217;ve already seen the likes of Rashid Khan, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bbl-2018-19-brisbane-heat-bring-in-afghanistans-teenage-spinner-mujeeb-ur-rahman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mujeeb Ur Rahman</strong></a> and Mohammad Nabi do well in the cash-rich league and a few more could be added to the list next year,</p>
<h3>Here are the five Afghanistan players who can bag an IPL deal:</h3>
<h3>1. Hazratullah Zazai | Kabul Zwanan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_285838" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-285838" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-285838" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hazratullah-Zazai.jpg" alt="Hazratullah Zazai" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-285838" class="wp-caption-text">Hazratullah Zazai. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The 20-year-old Hazratullah Zazai is just about finding his feet in international cricket. He has played two ODIs and three T20 Internationals for Afghanistan in his brief career. Although he made his debut in the shortest format back in 2016, Zazai was dropped after just getting two chances.</p>
<p>The left-handed opener has worked hard on his technique since then and made his way back into the team. In the ongoing inaugural edition of the APL, he has scored 169 runs in 4 innings at an average of 42. His 124-run knock off just 55 balls against Nangarhar Leopards has impressed everyone. Kings XI Punjab could be fancying having him in their side next season where he could open the innings with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitterati-slam-kl-rahul-for-failing-to-score-once-again/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>KL Rahul</strong></a>. </p>
<h3>2. Mohammad Shahzad | Paktia Panthers</h3>
<figure id="attachment_286622" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-286622" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-286622" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Mohammad-Shahzad.jpg" alt="Mohammad Shahzad" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-286622" class="wp-caption-text">Mohammad Shahzad. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Regarded as Afghanistan&#8217;s <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ms-dhoni-can-read-bowlers-body-language-from-behind-the-stumps-yuzvendra-chahal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MS Dhoni</strong></a>, Mohammad Shahzad is extremely popular. This 30-year-old hefty wicket-keeper batsman is leading the Paktia Panthers in APL 2018. Having made his international debut in 2009, he has witnessed Afghanistan cricket grow in the last few years. Quite obviously, he is also one of the most experienced players in their side.</p>
<p>While many expected that Shahzad would be picked at the IPL 2018 auction, the aggressive opener went unsold. However, his performance this season where he scored 162 runs in three innings at an average of 54 should get bidders interested in him. He also scored a scintillating century against India in the Asia Cup to make a statement. Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are in search of a reliable keeper who can fire with the bat, could show some keen interest on him.</p>
<h3>3. Hashmatullah Shahidi | Nangarhar Leopards</h3>
<figure id="attachment_281881" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-281881" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-281881" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hashmatullah-Shahidi.jpg" alt="Hashmatullah Shahidi" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-281881" class="wp-caption-text">Hashmatullah Shahidi. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Although the performance of the Nangarhar Leopards hasn&#8217;t been as convincing thus far, Hashmatullah Shahidi has already made a name for himself. This 23-year-old debuted for Afghanistan in 2013 but his career took the downslope after that. However, the left-hander rejuvenated himself in the recently concluded <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tag/asia-cup-2018/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Asia Cup</strong></a> where he held the team&#8217;s innings together in almost every game.</p>
<p>Shahidi has only played 26 ODIs through all these years but is turning out to be one of the important members in the Afghan side going forward. Shahidi, in APL 2018, has scored 113 runs in 4 innings at an average of 56.50. Sides like Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab, who do not have a strong middle order, could be looking out for him.</p>
<h3>4. Gulbadin Naib | Balkh Legends</h3>
<figure id="attachment_285485" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-285485" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-285485" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Gulbadin-Naib.jpg" alt="Gulbadin Naib" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-285485" class="wp-caption-text">Gulbadin Naib. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Having started his career as a promising all-rounder, Naib struggled to deliver consistently initially in his career. As a result, he was in and out of the side on many occasions. But then, this bowling all-rounder completely reinvented himself when he made a comeback in 2016.</p>
<p>Since then, there hasn&#8217;t been any looking back for him and continues to be a crucial member in the Afghanistan side. He bowls right-arm medium pace and adds a few valuable runs with the bat down the order. He has picked nine wickets in four matches this season. The likes of Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians and the <strong>Chennai Super Kings</strong> could be interested in getting him into their team.</p>
<h3>5. Aftab Alam | Balkh Legends</h3>
<figure id="attachment_286629" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-286629" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-286629" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Aftab-Alam.jpg" alt="Aftab Alam" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-286629" class="wp-caption-text">Aftab Alam. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since his debut in 2010, Aftab Alam only played a handful of games for <strong>Afghanistan</strong>. But this right-arm bowler is just about finding to where he belongs and has delivered with his performances in the recent times. He featured in 20 ODIs for his national team and picked 27 wickets. In the 13 T20Is, he accounted for 15 scalps.</p>
<p>Alam is one of the most reliable pacers in Afghanistan at the moment. He has picked five wickets in four matches thus far and is only improving with every passing match. He is found wanting at the death sometimes but will improve with more exposure in the near future.</p>

Few of these players have set the stage on the fire in Sharjah with their performances.

APL 2018: Five Afghanistan players who can make it big in the IPL 2019

Here are five Afghanistani players who could be getting a bid in the IPL 2019 auctions courtesy some good performances in the APL 2018.