Afghanistan’s mystery spinner Allah Ghazanfar has been ruled out for at least four months after suffering a back fracture during the team’s recent tour of Zimbabwe. The injury, confirmed as a fracture in the L4 vertebra, sidelines him from the 2025 Champions Trophy and casts doubt on his availability for the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the Mumbai Indians.
Ghazanfar, 16, impressed during the Zimbabwe series, taking nine wickets in three ODIs before making his Test debut. He also played three matches for the MI Emirates in the International League T20. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed in a statement that he will undergo treatment during his recovery period.
Afghanistan have named 20-year-old left-arm spinner Nangyal Kharoti as his replacement in the Champions Trophy squad. Kharoti made his international debut against Ireland and has taken 11 ODI and five T20I wickets at an impressive economy rate.
Afghanistan are placed in Group B of the tournament alongside Australia, South Africa, and England. Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, the team will open their campaign against South Africa on February 21 at Karachi’s National Stadium.
Ghazanfar’s IPL future also remains uncertain. After being signed by Kolkata Knight Riders as a replacement in 2024, he was a major target at the 2025 IPL auction. Mumbai Indians secured him for INR 4.80 crore, seeing him as a key spin option alongside Mitchell Santner. However, his injury may force the franchise to look for alternatives.
