Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, an 18-year-old cricketer from Afghanistan, has recently joined the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2025, marking a significant step in his budding career as a mystery spinner.
Known for his impressive bowling variations, including the carrom ball and wrong’un, Ghazanfar’s unique style draws comparisons to India’s Varun Chakravarthy, another celebrated mystery spinner.
Rising Star from Afghanistan
Ghazanfar hails from Paktia Province and has quickly made a name for himself in international cricket.
His journey began during the 2024 ICC Under-19 World Cup, where he showcased his talent by taking eight wickets in four matches at an outstanding economy rate of 3.35.
His performances caught the attention of selectors and fans alike, leading to his inclusion in various international fixtures.
In recent One Day Internationals (ODIs) held in the UAE, Ghazanfar demonstrated his skills against top teams like South Africa and Bangladesh.
He notably took six wickets against Bangladesh, further solidifying his reputation as a player to watch.
Key Performances
- Emerging T20 Asia Cup: Ghazanfar excelled by taking crucial wickets, including dismissing Indian A players Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh while opening the bowling.
- ODI Series: He made an impactful debut against Ireland and continued to impress with standout performances against stronger teams.
IPL Journey of Allah Ghazanfar
Ghazanfar’s journey in the IPL began when he was signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for Mujeeb Ur Rahman earlier this year.
Although he was part of the squad that won the IPL title, he did not get any game time during the tournament. His skills have since garnered increased interest, leading to a bidding war during the IPL 2025 auction.
During the auction, Ghazanfar’s value skyrocketed as teams recognized his potential. Initially starting at a base price of ₹75 lakh, bids quickly escalated:
- KKR raised their paddle to ₹1.50 crore.
- RCB entered with ₹1.80 crore.
- The bidding intensified with MI eventually securing him for ₹4.80 crore, outbidding KKR after a fierce contest.
Allah Ghazanfar’s Future Prospects with MI
Joining MI presents Ghazanfar with an excellent opportunity to learn from some of the best players in T20 cricket.
His ability to bowl effectively at different stages of the game, including during crucial death overs, adds depth to MI’s bowling lineup.
As he prepares for his debut season with MI, expectations are high for Ghazanfar to deliver impactful performances and contribute significantly to the team’s success in IPL 2025.
