IPL auctions: Afghan cricketers Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan create history

Bangalore : It was a great day for Afghanistan cricket, as two of their key players got IPL contracts.  Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan became the first from the war-torn nation to be picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the auctions.

Five cricketers from Afghanistan were included in the auction for the first time.

It was a bit surprising that seasoned all-rounder Nabi was snapped up at his base price while leg-spinner Khan got the benefit of a bidding war between Sunrisers and Mumbai Indians and was eventually sold for eight times his base price.

Both players are currently with the national team in Zimbabwe.

Nabi is one of the senior most Afghanistan cricketers, having represented the country in 72 ODIs and 52 T20 Internationals.

Afghanistan’s entry into the cash-rich IPL is a reflection of their gradual growth in international cricket.

The team qualified for the World T20 in the last four editions and made its 50-over World Cup debut in Australia two years ago.