MLC 2024: Noor Ahmed replaces injured Daryl Mitchell in Texas Super Kings squad

The upcoming edition of Major League Cricket (MLC) has suffered an early blow, with New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell ruled out due to injury. Mitchell's franchise, the Texas Super Kings, have replaced him by signing talented Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad.

Mitchell, who was one of the prized overseas signings for Texas ahead of the second MLC season, had been in poor form and was suffering from injuries over the past year. He managed just 36 runs in three innings at theT20 World Cup 2024 as the Blackcaps crashed out of the marquee event in the group stage.

The 33-year-old had previously missed games for the Kiwis due to a foot injury which ruled him out for the second Test against South Africa in February. Upon returning, he failed to get his best form during a below-average IPL campaign with Chennai Super Kings.

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Texas Super Kings get Marcus Stoinis for second edition of MLC

With Mitchell now set for a rehabilitation program, Texas have turned to the 19-year-old Noor Ahmad as his replacement. The left-arm wrist spinner has already represented Afghanistan in 10 T20 Internationals, claiming seven wickets at an economy rate of 7.00.

Noor has been a regular on the T20 franchise circuit as well, playing in leagues like the SA20, ILT20, and IPL. He has taken 97 wickets from 96 T20 matches, with best figures of 5/11. The teenage spinner is currently part of Afghanistan's squad at the marquee event.

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Mitchell's absence is undoubtedly a big blow for the Texas Super Kings, who had retained him along with former South African captain Faf du Plessis and the Kiwi pair of Devon Conway and Mitchell Santner ahead of the new MLC season.

However, they will be happy with the signing of Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who was recently crowned the No.1 ranked T20I all-rounder. Stoinis will add further firepower to Texas' already strong batting lineup.

The 2024 MLC season runs from July 6-29, with the Texas Super Kings opening their campaign against the LA Knight Riders. 

Texas Super Kings squad

Faf du Plessis (c), Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner, Calvin Savage, Dwayne Bravo, Milind Kumar, Cameron Stevenson, Zia Shahzad, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Mohammad Mohsin, Zia ul Haq, Joshua Tromp, Raj Nannan, Noor Ahmad, Aaron Hardie, Marcus Stoinis, Aiden Markram, Naveen-ul-Haq