NEW DELHI: Allah Ghazanfar, an 18-year-old Afghan cricketer, is quickly emerging as one of his country’s brightest prospects. The young spinner, often compared to compatriots Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, recently landed a lucrative IPL 2025 contract with the Mumbai Indians. The franchise acquired him for a whopping Rs 4.80 crore during the IPL 2025 Mega Auction held in Jeddah.
Showcasing his adaptability and endurance, Ghazanfar played in two different competitions on the same day.
In the ACC Under-19 Men's Asia Cup in Dubai, he delivered an economical spell for Afghanistan's U19 team, finishing with figures of 1/25 from 10 overs, including a maiden.
However, his efforts couldn't prevent Afghanistan from a 45-run loss to Bangladesh U19, who posted 228/9.
The very next day, Ghazanfar featured in the T10 League at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, representing Team Abu Dhabi. He continued his fine form, taking 1/10 in two overs, contributing to Team Abu Dhabi’s dominant eight-wicket win over the Northern Warriors.
Ghazanfar’s recent highlights include career-best ODI figures of 6/26 against Bangladesh, helping Afghanistan clinch a series victory over South Africa.
In the ACC Emerging Asia Cup T20 in Oman, he played a pivotal role for Afghanistan A, delivering a match-winning spell of 2/10 in the semi-final against India A, ultimately helping his team claim their first tournament title.
