IPL Auction 2025: Why Chennai Super Kings Picked Noor Ahmad for ₹10 Crore?

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made a statement at the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah by acquiring Afghanistan's left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad for a staggering ₹10 crore.

The intense bidding war saw CSK initially secure Noor for ₹5 crore, only for Gujarat Titans (GT) to utilise their Right to Match (RTM) card. However, CSK doubled the price to ₹10 crore, forcing GT to step aside.

Noor Ahmad’s IPL journey began with Gujarat Titans in 2022, but he truly rose to prominence in 2023. Across two seasons, the 19-year-old teenage prodigy played 23 matches, taking 24 wickets at an average of 27.46 and a respectable economy rate of 8.04. His best performance came with figures of 3/37, showcasing his ability to control the middle overs.

Why Did CSK Invest So Heavily in Noor Ahmad?

CSK’s head coach, Stephen Fleming, highlighted Noor’s potential as a game-changer in spin-friendly pitches, especially in Chepauk’s turning conditions. “The Noor Ahmad pick was looking more at the middle overs to attack,” Fleming told media. “If we do get turning conditions, then we’ve got an opportunity to keep taking wickets.”

Noor’s unique skill set as a left-arm leg-spinner is a rarity in world cricket. His consistent performances in the IPL and international cricket have established him as a reliable wicket-taker.

He played 13 games in IPL 2023, claiming 16 wickets at an economy under 8, and followed it up with eight wickets in 10 matches in 2024. Noor also boasts impressive numbers in international cricket, maintaining an economy rate of under seven in both ODIs and T20Is.

Chennai Super King's Auction Strategy in IPL Auction 2025

Alongside Noor Ahmad, CSK bolstered their squad by signing Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra.

The addition of Noor, the first Afghan player to represent CSK, adds variety to their spin arsenal and reflects their forward-looking approach, banking on young talent for sustained success.

With ₹15.60 crore still in their purse, CSK will have plenty of room to further bolster their squad as per their spinner-heavy approach on day two of the IPL 2025 mega auction.