Every IPL season, the auction brings excitement as emerging talents grab multi-million-dollar deals. This year, during Day 2 of the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Afghanistan‘s Allah Ghazanfar was in the spotlight. The 18-year-old off-spinner made headlines by securing a lucrative contract, reinforcing the tournament’s reputation for unearthing promising players.

Mumbai Indians win intense bidding war

Ghazanfar was snapped up by Mumbai Indians (MI) for a whopping INR 4.8 crore. The bidding war saw stiff competition from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who sought to reacquire the player. MI’s determination to add the Afghan spinner to their roster eventually paid off as they secured his services for the upcoming season. Ghazanfar’s significant price tag highlights the confidence MI have in his ability to deliver on the big stage.

Impressive performances in recent past

Ghazanfar has been in sensational form, making a strong case for himself ahead of the auction. His ODI debut against Ireland in March 2024 set the stage, and he followed it up with remarkable performances against South Africa and Bangladesh, including a stunning six-wicket haul against the latter. The youngster also played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup victory, taking six wickets in four matches. His ability to turn games with his sharp off-spin and bounce has made him a standout performer.

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Familiar with IPL dynamics

Despite his young age, Ghazanfar is no stranger to the IPL. He was part of Knight Riders’ title-winning squad in 2024, joining as an injury replacement for Mujeeb ur Rahman. While his on-field opportunities were limited, the 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 growing spin legacy

Ghazanfar now joins the illustrious list of Afghan spinners who have left a mark on global cricket, including Rashid Khan, Mujeeb, and Mohammad Nabi. Representing a nation renowned for its spin-bowling talent, he is expected to carry forward 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 poised to deliver match-winning performances.

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