Afghanistan's Wahidullah Zadran created a unique record at the IPL 2026 mini-auction despite going unsold. At just 18 years of age, Zadran was the youngest player to register for this year's auction, highlighting the growing global reach of the IPL and the increasing focus on youth talent from associate and emerging cricketing nations.
Born on November 15, 2007, Wahidullah Zadran entered the auction pool as an uncapped overseas player with a base price of Rs 30 lakh. While no franchise placed a bid for him during the auction rounds, his presence itself drew attention from scouts and fans alike.
Wahidullah Zadran is a right-arm off-break bowler who represents the Afghanistan Under-19 team. He has already built a strong reputation in age-group cricket for his ability to bowl tight spells and pick up wickets in the middle overs.
In the recent Afghanistan U-19 vs Bangladesh U-19 series, Zadran emerged as one of the standout performers, claiming 11 wickets across four innings. His consistency, control, and maturity beyond his age have been widely praised within Afghanistan's cricketing circles.
Zadran further boosted his profile during the Shpageeza T20 League 2025, Afghanistan's premier domestic T20 tournament. Competing against senior and international players, the teenage spinner picked up six wickets in three innings, catching the eye with his composure and ability to handle pressure.
These performances were key reasons behind his decision to register for the IPL 2026 mini-auction, making him one of the youngest overseas players ever to enter the IPL auction process.
Despite his potential, franchises opted to pass on Zadran in this auction, likely due to his age, limited senior-level exposure, and the immediate demands of IPL cricket. However, going unsold does not diminish his long-term prospects. Young overseas players often gain recognition through development leagues and future auctions once they accumulate more experience.
At just 18, Wahidullah Zadran has time firmly on his side. His journey to the IPL may not have started in 2026, but his early exposure to the auction process marks an important step in what could be a promising international and franchise career in the years ahead.