Afghanistan had a disappointing outing in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 as they failed to even reach the super four stages. They started their campaign with a dominant victory over Oman by 94 runs. However, Afghanistan failed to continue their winning momentum in the next two games as they suffered a close defeat against Bangladesh followed by a loss against Sri Lanka.
Afghanistan have established themselves as a strong side in the last few years and have also stunned big teams like England, New Zealand and Australia in major ICC tournaments like 2023 ODI World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy. However, the Afghan side couldn’t deliver any extraordinary performance in Asia Cup 2025 and were knocked out from the group stage of the tournament.
There are many players from Afghanistan who have also made their mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the years and have many fans in India. However, looking at the performance in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, there are a few players who are likely to get released by the franchises ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
Here's a look at these Afghanistan players who might be released by their franchises after the poor Asia Cup 2025 performance
1. Rashid Khan from Gujarat Titans
It has been a forgettable outing for Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan as he failed to make any impact either with the bat or ball in the Asia Cup 2025. Rashid has been a star player for Afghanistan but couldn’t justify his name this time as he scored 47 runs and took two wickets from three matches. He plays for Gujarat Titans in the IPL where he also had a disappointing season in IPL 2025 and could only score 40 runs and take 9 wickets from 15 matches in the season. Looking at his current form, Rashid is likely to get released by GT ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
2. Fazalhaq Farooqi from Rajasthan Royals
Fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi has been another underperformer for Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2025. The left-arm pacer could only take two wickets from three matches and bowled at an average of 45.50 and an economy rate of 9.10. Farooqi was a part of Rajasthan Royals’ squad in IPL 2025 but didn’t get much chances in the season. He played five matches in IPL 2025 and went wicketless. Looking at the current form, RR might release Farooqi from their squad ahead of IPL 2026 auction.
3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Kolkata Knight Riders
Opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz could be another player from Afghanistan who is likely to get released by his franchise ahead of IPL 2026 auction. Gurbaz scored just 49 runs from three matches in Asia Cup 2025. Apart from that, he also looked unimpressive while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 where he could only amass 74 runs from five matches.
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