The Indian Premier League auction is always a stage for dreams, and this year, one of its youngest dreamers is Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, a 15-year-old off-spinner from Afghanistan. As the youngest player to enter the 2023 auction, Ghazanfar has already turned heads by putting his name forward for both the IPL and the Big Bash League.
Here’s everything you need to know about cricket’s newest emerging talent.
Profile at a Glance
- Name: Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar
- Age: 15
- Nationality: Afghan
- Role: Right-Arm Off-Spinner
- Base Price: ₹20 Lakh
- Inspired By: Ravichandran Ashwin
A Spinner in the Mould of Mujeeb
Cricket scouts who have seen him play draw exciting comparisons to another Afghan star, Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Like Mujeeb, Ghazanfar is a cunning finger-spinner with variations that can trouble batters. His inspiration, however, comes from India itself: spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin.
“Ashwin has been a champion spinner for India, and I like his variations. I have always considered him my inspiration,” Ghazanfar stated.
From Fast Bowler to Spinner
Standing at an impressive 6 feet 2 inches, you might expect Ghazanfar to be a fast bowler. In fact, that’s how he started. It was under the guidance of former Afghanistan captain Dawlat Ahmadzai that he transitioned to spin bowling, refining his action and discovering his true talent.
“I started with tennis ball cricket in my neighborhood,” he shared. “But under my coach, I developed my spin action, and there hasn’t been any looking back since.”
Proving His Mettle on the Field
Despite his youth, Ghazanfar is already gaining valuable experience:
- He has trained with the Afghanistan U-19 squad.
- He made his T20 debut in Afghanistan’s Shpageeza League for Mis Ainak Knights, taking a impressive 4 for 15 in one match.
- He also featured in the Junior Pakistan Super League.
“I love challenging the batters with my spin,” he said, confident in his ability to perform at a higher level.
Overcoming Barriers
While he understands Hindi, Ghazanfar admits speaking it is a challenge. However, he is keen to assure any potential IPL franchise that communication will not be a barrier, emphasizing his eagerness to learn from international stars.
His ultimate goal is to play for the senior Afghanistan national team, and he sees the IPL as the perfect platform to accelerate his growth. “I hope to get picked by a franchise. The IPL will help me improve my game as I would be able to learn from the best,” he added.
As the auction gets underway, all eyes will be on whether this talented and ambitious teenager gets his big break. He is one of eight Afghan players who have thrown their hat in the ring, hoping to become the next great spin star from his country.