IPL 2025 Eyes Afghan Star Ibrahim Zadran After T20 World Cup Success

Afghanistan cricket team's opener Ibrahim Zadran is currently the ninth leading run-getter in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, with one group stage game remaining. The 22-year-old has scored 114 runs in three games, including one fifty, at an average of 38.33 and a strike rate of 121.28.

The young prospect has been instrumental in providing strong starts for the team in the marquee event. With impressive punching technique, he has hit 12 fours and three sixes so far. Having played 39 T20Is, he has accumulated 988 runs, including seven fifties.

With Ibrahim Zadran already proving to be a promising talent in the T20 World Cup, it is likely that IPL teams will target him in the upcoming auction. Here are three IPL teams that might show interest in signing Ibrahim Zadran for IPL 2025.

1. Delhi Capitals: The Delhi-based franchise would be keen to sign a young batting talent like Ibrahim Zadran. Although he is quite raw, his temperament could help him grow as a player.

DC's opening pair David Warner and Prithvi Shaw failed to meet expectations last season as they lost wickets recklessly. Consequently, the DC management might add Ibrahim Zadran as a backup for the opening slot to foster healthy competition.

2. Gujarat Titans: The Ahmedabad-based franchise won the title in their debut season in 2022 before finishing as runners-up in 2023. However, in IPL 2024, they lost momentum and failed to qualify for the playoffs.

GT's opening pair Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill struggled to dominate the opposition. The team management would be looking for a young and energetic opener who could replace Saha, and Ibrahim Zadran could be a suitable candidate.

3. Punjab Kings: The Mohali-based franchise has yet to win an IPL title since the inaugural edition. The 2014 runners-up experienced a string of defeats last season and failed to qualify for the playoffs.

In the absence of Shikhar Dhawan for most games, PBKS relied on Prabhsimran Singh and Jonny Bairstow, which did not yield positive results. PBKS might show significant interest in acquiring the youngster in the next auction.