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Afghanistan’s AM Ghazanfar Ruled Out of Champions Trophy and IPL 2025 Due to Injury
Afghanistan Suffers a Major Setback Ahead of Champions Trophy
Afghanistan has been dealt a significant blow ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as young mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. The 18-year-old off-spinner sustained a fracture in his L4 vertebra, forcing him to miss not only the marquee ICC event but also the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, where he was set to play for the Mumbai Indians after being signed for INR 4.8 crores.
AM Ghazanfar’s Injury and Recovery Timeline
Nature of the Injury and Expected Recovery Time
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the development in an official statement, mentioning that Ghazanfar suffered a left pars interarticularis fracture in his L4 vertebra. He sustained this injury during Afghanistan’s recent tour of Zimbabwe and will be sidelined for a minimum of four months.
The ACB’s statement read:
“AM Ghazanfar has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy due to a fracture in the L4 vertebra, specifically in the left pars interarticularis. He sustained the injury during Afghanistan’s recently held tour of Zimbabwe and will remain under treatment during this period.”
This means that Ghazanfar will not only miss the Champions Trophy 2025, which begins in February, but also the IPL 2025, scheduled from March 21 to May 25.
Nangeyalia Kharote Named as Replacement
With Ghazanfar ruled out, left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote has been drafted into the Afghanistan squad as his replacement. Kharote was initially part of the reserve players’ list but has now been promoted to the main squad.
Afghanistan’s Spin Strength
Despite Ghazanfar’s absence, Afghanistan still boasts a strong spin attack, featuring world-class bowlers like:
- Rashid Khan
- Noor Ahmad
- Mohammad Nabi
- Nangeyalia Kharote
Kharote, who last played for Afghanistan in the ODI series against Bangladesh in November 2024, will now have an opportunity to shine on the big stage.
IPL 2025 Blow for Mumbai Indians
For Mumbai Indians, this is a significant setback as they had invested heavily in Ghazanfar, acquiring him for INR 4.8 crores at the IPL auction. His unavailability means that MI’s spin department will need to rethink their strategy for the upcoming season.
Afghanistan’s Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Afghanistan’s final squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 includes:
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
- Rahmat Shah (VC)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
- Ikram Alikhil (WK)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rashid Khan
- Nangeyalia Kharote
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Naveed Zadran
- Farid Ahmad Malik
What’s Next for AM Ghazanfar?
Ghazanfar will now focus on rehabilitation and recovery, with hopes of making a comeback in the latter half of 2025. If his recovery goes as planned, he could be available for Afghanistan’s next major assignments post-Champions Trophy.
Read about Afghanistan’s squad and analysis for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Official ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule & Fixtures.
