Over the past decade Afghanistan players have been in huge demand in the IPL. While it started with spinners – Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, in recent times their aggressive batsmen, fast bowlers and all-rounders too have been in demand. At this year’s IPL auction scheduled for November 24 & 25, as many as 18 Afghanistan players’ services will be up for grabs. Here are a few of them who could hit jackpot.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (base price Rs 2 crore)

Wicketkeeper and an opening batsman, Gurbaz is no stranger to the IPL and was part of the victorious Kolkata Knight Riders last season. Blessed with a good hand-eye co-ordination, Gurbaz has the capability to give rapid starts in the powerplay. He has also shown adaptability to bat in different gears. He also has a safe pair of hands behind the stumps. With many teams out looking for a wicketkeeper and an opening batsman, Gurbaz fits the bill.

Noor Ahmad (base price Rs 2 crore) Almost a mirror image of Rashid Khan, the left-arm wrist spin of Noor is already familiar to the IPL. He has partnered with Rashid at Gujarat Titans. Though overseas spinners, who don’t bat, usually don’t become first-choice, franchises will be ready to pounce on Noor once his name comes up. With enough variations up his sleeves, Noor has the X-factor in him. Teams who see him as a starter in the XI will be prepared to splash huge money on him.

Azmatullah Omarzai (base price of Rs 1.5 crore)

The Impact Player rule may have reduced the demand for all-rounders, but there are franchises who prefer ones who are capable of providing the cutting edge. In that aspect Omarzai fits the bill as his seam movement with the new ball can be handy in the powerplay and so is his ability to hit big sixes. Can be a good budget buy for franchises who are in need of back-up options.

Naveen-ul-Haq (Base price Rs 2 crore)

A fast bowler who is capable of cranking good pace is always in demand at the IPL and Naveen is no different. But what makes Naveen more lethal is the variety of slower deliveries he has at his disposal which makes it challenging for the batsmen to pick. At Lucknow Super Giants he was at home at their home ground. This time, he will be generating plenty of interest, especially after his impressive show at the T20 World Cup.

Mohammad Nabi (Base price Rs 1.5 crore)

The off-spinner who can be a good lower-order batsman will be retiring from international cricket after the Champions Trophy. But his journey as a T20 globetrotter looks set to continue, particularly because of his all-round capabilities. In an era where there are not many successful off-spinners in T20, Nabi is an exception. He still relies on the off-breaks for wickets and remains a hot cake up for sale.

Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar (Base price of Rs 75 lakh)

Is the 18-year-old going to be the next big name from Afghanistan? We will know shortly for there is already plenty of hype and interest around the off-spinner. Last season he was part of Kolkata Knight Riders squad coming in as a replacement for Mujeeb Ur Rahman and warmed the bench. But since then his stocks have increased and in the recently concluded Emerging Asia Cup, he was a star performer in Afghanistan’s victorious campaign. Can be the surprise package at the auction.