IPL 2025Afghanistan CricketAfghanistan Cricket PlayersAfghanistan national cricket teamCricket NewsCricket UpdatesIndian Cricket UpdatesInternational LeagueInternational MatchesIPLIPL and Franchise CricketIPL Auction UpdatesIPL NewsIPL Player BidsIPL UpdatesLatest Cricket UpdatesMumbai IndiansMumbai IndiansPlayer UpdatesSports NewsSports UpdatesT20T20 Cricket NewsT20 LeaguesT20I Series
Mujeeb Ur Rahman Replaces Ghazanfar in Mumbai Indians Squad for IPL 2025
Afghanistan Spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman Joins Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians (MI) have announced the signing of Afghanistan’s star spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman as a replacement for AM Ghazanfar, who has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to a severe spinal injury.
Ghazanfar Ruled Out Due to Spinal Fracture
The 18-year-old AM Ghazanfar sustained an injury during Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe, which later forced him to miss the Champions Trophy 2025 as well. According to the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), medical reports confirmed that Ghazanfar suffered from a fracture in the L4 vertebra, specifically in the left pars interarticularis.
As a result of this injury, Ghazanfar will be sidelined for a minimum of four months and will undergo continuous treatment during this period. This unfortunate setback forced MI to look for an experienced replacement, and they have brought in Mujeeb Ur Rahman to strengthen their spin attack.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s Recent Performances
Impressive Stint in SA20 2025
Mujeeb, 23, has been a consistent performer in the T20 circuit. He recently played in the SA20 2025, where he was the leading wicket-taker for the Paarl Royals, picking up 14 wickets in 12 matches. His performance in South Africa solidified his reputation as a top-quality T20 spinner, making him a valuable addition to the Mumbai Indians squad.
Focus on T20 Format for Recovery
Although Mujeeb was not included in Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy squad, he played in the T20I series against Zimbabwe before joining Mumbai Indians. Due to a previous right phalanx sprain, his medical team advised him to focus primarily on T20 cricket to ensure full recovery before returning to ODIs and other formats.
Mujeeb’s T20 Career: A Proven Match-Winner
Career Stats and Achievements
Mujeeb Ur Rahman has built an impressive T20 career with 275 wickets in 256 matches at an average of 23.67 and an economy of 6.75. His ability to restrict runs while taking crucial wickets makes him a highly sought-after T20 bowler.
Some of his key T20 career achievements include:
- Three four-plus wicket hauls, including two five-wicket hauls
- Successful stints in various T20 leagues such as IPL, BBL, CPL, and SA20
- Recognized for his mystery spin and ability to bowl in powerplays and death overs
What Mujeeb’s Inclusion Means for Mumbai Indians
With Mujeeb’s inclusion, Mumbai Indians have added a world-class spinner to their already formidable squad. His expertise in powerplay bowling and ability to contain runs in middle overs will be crucial for MI’s campaign in IPL 2025.
Mumbai Indians fans will be eager to see how he adapts to the conditions in India and contributes to MI’s quest for another IPL title.
Related Articles: IPL 2025
Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s addition to Mumbai Indians is a significant boost for the team, especially after losing AM Ghazanfar due to injury. His experience in global T20 leagues and ability to trouble top-order batters make him a valuable asset for MI.
For more updates on IPL 2025, stay tuned to ESPN Cricinfo for the latest news.
