Mumbai Indians announce Allah Ghazanfar's replacement for IPL 2025
Published - 16 Feb 2025, 01:03 PM | Updated - 16 Feb 2025, 11:36 PM
In a recent development, Mumbai Indians (MI) have suffered a major setback as Afghanistan spinner Allah Ghazanfar has been ruled out of IPL 2025. The five-time IPL champions have named a spinner from Afghanistan as a replacement for him ahead of the IPL 2025.
Mumbai Indians secured Ghazanfar for Rs 4.8 crore during the mega auction. The 18-year-old was previously with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2024 as a replacement for Mujeeb Ur Rahman but did not get a chance to play. Despite not making his IPL debut, he has showcased his skills at the international level.
Mumbai Indians Sign Mujeeb Ur Rahman as Replacement for Allah Ghazanfar
On Sunday, February 16, the IPL issued a statement on its official website confirming that Mumbai Indians have signed Mujeeb Ur Rahman as a replacement for the injured Ghazanfar for the IPL 2025 season.
"Mumbai Indians picked Mujeeb-ur-Rahman as a replacement for Allah Ghazanfar for the upcoming edition of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Allah Ghazanfar is ruled out of the season due to an injury. Mujeeb-ur-Rahman – a right-arm off-spinner – has played 19 IPL matches and has 19 IPL wickets against his name. He joins MI for INR 2 Crore," the statement read.
Mumbai Indians endured a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign, finishing at the bottom of the points table for the second time in three years. They previously ended in last place during the 2022 season. MI managed just four wins from 14 matches and collected eight points with a net run rate (NRR) of -0.318.
Allah Ghazanfar Touted as Mumbai Indians' Frontline Spin Option for IPL 2025
Allah Ghazanfar has represented Afghanistan in all three formats. The young sinner has played 11 ODIs and 19 T20 matches adn taken 21 wickets adn 30 wickets respeceily. In franchise cricket, he has taken 30 wickets from 19 T20s at impressie bowling averaging 13.50 and decent economy rate of 6.12.
He was also included in the ICC's ODI Team of the Year for 2024. During the IPL 2025 mega auction, Mumbai Indians secured his services after outbidding Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He was expected to be MI’s frontline spinner for the season alongside Mitchell Santner.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman Went Unsold at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction
Mujeeb Ur Rahman went unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction despite a base price of Rs 2 crore. He was previously signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for the 2024 season but missed out due to injury. Mujeeb made his IPL debut in 2018 and last played in 2021. He has taken 19 wickets across 19 matches in IPL.
Despite his absence from the IPL in recent years, Mujeeb boasts extensive experience in various T20 leagues, including the BBL, SA20, ILT20, CPL, BPL, LPL, and PSL. In his overall T20 career, he has played 256 matches, picking up 275 wickets at an average of 23.67 and an economy rate of 6.75.
