• Home
  • Cricket Analysis
  • Ipl 2026 Mini Auction Afghanistan Hot Prospects Who Could Be Targeted In Abu Dhabi

IPL 2026 mini auction: Afghanistan hot prospects who could be targeted in Abu Dhabi

Rajgeeta Yadav

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Fazalhaq Farooqi [Source: AFP]Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Fazalhaq Farooqi [Source: AFP]

Things are heating up as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction is just around the corner, scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi. A total of 350 players are set to go under the hammer; however, only 77 will secure lucrative contracts for the upcoming season.

Among those registered for the auction are ten Afghan players, many of whom bring both experience and form to the table. Here, we take a closer look at three Afghanistan players who might be on IPL franchises’ radar for the auction.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz

First on the list is Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the explosive wicket-keeper batter who played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from 2023 to 2025. Although KKR released him ahead of the auction, there are strong indications that Gurbaz could attract a competitive bid, with a base price of INR 1.5 crore. 

  • Gurbaz, who is known for his aggressive batting, boasts an overall T20 strike rate of 145. In IPL 2025, he scored 363 runs in 18 innings at a strike rate of 135, including two half-centuries, and also contributed 17 catches behind the stumps.
  • Franchises like Punjab Kings and KKR, both of whom are looking to strengthen their squad and find a reliable wicket-keeper, could be particularly interested in him. 
  • Notably, Gurbaz’s recent performances in the ILT20 have further boosted his prospects; he scored 108 runs in five innings at a strike rate exceeding 135. Given his experience and explosive batting style, he could attract multiple buyers at the auction.

Fazalhaq Farooqi

Next is left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who was released by Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the auction as part of a squad revamp. His IPL 2025 season was disappointing, going wicketless in five matches. 

  • However, Farooqi brings significant experience and potential, making him an attractive prospect for franchises seeking a versatile left-arm seamer.
  • Notably, Farooqi excels with the new ball, can swing it both ways, and was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the 2024 T20 World Cup. 
  • With a base price of INR 1 crore, he may appeal to teams like CSK and SRH, which are focusing on strengthening their pace attacks. RCB might also consider him as a backup for left-arm seamer Yash Dayal, who has not played competitive cricket since IPL 2025. 

It is worth mentioning that in the ongoing ILT20, Farooqi has impressed, taking six wickets in five innings.

Gulbadin Naib

Afghan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib is expected to attract attention. Naib played just two matches for Delhi Capitals and did not feature in IPL 2025. He enters the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a base price of INR 1 crore. 

  • Gulbadin, who is known for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, could be the ideal overseas all-rounder for teams seeking balance in their squad.
  • Teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK), in need of a reliable all-rounder and bowling backup, could benefit from his inclusion. Similarly, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), having released Wiaan Mulder and Abhinav Manohar, might target Naib to strengthen their middle order and bolster their bowling options. 

Notably, in NPL 2025, he showed his abilities by scoring 90 runs in five innings and taking five wickets.