MI vs KKR: Who is Allah Ghazanfar? Afghanistan sensation makes IPL debut for MI who IPL title without Playing a Match

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As Mumbai Indians play the Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL 2026 opener, an Afghanistan youngster is set to make his IPL debut.

Afghanistan's mystery spinner Allah Ghazanfar will make his debut against KKR, a team he was part of previously in the IPL.

Who is Allah Ghazanfar?

Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, born on March 20, 2006, in Paktia Province, Afghanistan, is a rising cricketer known for his off-spin bowling. Standing at 6'2", he transitioned from fast bowling to finger spin under mentor Dawlat Ahmadzai and trains at Kabul's Mirza Mohammad Katawazai Cricket Centre.

Ghazanfar started cricket in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, playing for Saleem Karwan Cricket Academy from age 13 despite his father's preference for studies. From Paktia with five older brothers, he lived in Kabul as of 2022 and became Afghanistan's youngest senior debutant at 16 years and 236 days against Ireland. His technique draws comparisons to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, featuring a quick arm action that baffles batters.

Ghazanfar debuted domestically for Mis Ainak Knights in Shpageeza League 2022, earning Player of the Match twice. He played Pakistan Junior League for Rawalpindi Raiders and featured in U19 World Cup 2024, taking 3/29 vs New Zealand.

Allah Ghazanfar won IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders

Allah Ghazanfar was bought by Mumbai Indians for Rs 4.8 crore (base price ₹75 lakh) at the IPL 2025 mega auction after a bidding war with KKR and RCB. He joined KKR as an injury replacement in IPL 2024 and won the title with them, but didn't play. He then moved to MI in 2025 and didn't play last year for an injury.