Every IPL season, the auction brings excitement as budding talents fetch multi-million dollar deals. On day 2 of the IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah this year, Afghanistanof Allah Ghazanfar was in the spotlight. The 18-year-old off-spinner made headlines by landing a lucrative contract, bolstering the tournament’s reputation for unearthing promising players.
Mumbai Indians win a tense bidding war
Ghazanfar was captured Mumbai Indians (MI) for a whopping INR 4.8 crore. The bidding war saw stiff competition Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)trying to get the player back. MI’s determination to add the Afghan spinner to their roster has finally paid off as they have secured his services for the upcoming season. Ghazanfar’s significant price tag underscores MI’s confidence in his ability to perform on the big stage.
Impressive performances in the recent past
Gazanfar was in sensational form and performed strongly for himself on the eve of the auction. His ODI debut against Ireland in March 2024 set the scene and he followed it up with remarkable performances against South Africa and Bangladesh, including a stunning six-wicket haul against the latter. This young man also played an important role in Afghanistan Emerging Teams Asia Cup Victory by six wickets in four matches. His ability to turn games with sharp spin and leaping made him a standout performer.
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Familiar with the dynamics of IPL
Despite his young age, Ghazanfar is no stranger to the IPL. He was part of Knight Riders’ title-winning team in 2024 and joined as an injury replacement. Mujib ur Rahman. Although his opportunities on the field were limited, his experience of being part of a high-pressure environment prepared him for the challenges ahead. His T20 franchise record is equally impressive, with 29 wickets in just 16 matches and an economy rate of 5.71.
Afghanistan’s legacy of growing spin
Ghazanfar now joins an illustrious list of Afghan spinners who have made their mark in global cricket, including Rashid KhanMujeeb, and Muhammad Nabi. Representing a nation known for its spin bowling talent, he is expected to continue this rich legacy in the IPL. His journey with Mumbai promises to add another exciting chapter to Afghanistan’s cricketing story.
Mumbai Indians’ faith in Ghazanfar could pay dividends as they aim for another IPL title, with the young spinner set to deliver match-winning performances.
