Talented Afghanistan mystery spinner Allah Ghazanfar was recently traded from the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to the MI Emirates, just two days before the start of the third season of the ILT20. Allah Ghazanfar will now showcase his skills with the MI Emirates franchise in this upcoming T20 tournament in the UAE.
Many countries around the world have started organizing T20 leagues similar to the Indian Premier League (IPL), and Dubai is no exception. The International League T20 has been held for two seasons in the United Arab Emirates, both of which have received significant support and enthusiasm from fans.
Allah Ghazanfar Joins MI Emirates Two Days Before Tournament Kickoff
Allah Ghazanfar has joined MI Emirates for the ILT20, which is scheduled to commence on Saturday, January 11. Ghazanfar was with the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders but was transferred to MI as part of a franchise deal two days before the start of the tournament.
Allah Ghazanfar Who Was Signed By Abu Dhabi Knight Riders … Was Traded To MI Emirates Just “Some Days Before” Start of the Tournament 😳
This Has Never Happened in Any Cricket Tournament Ever . pic.twitter.com/fgxZmCYbXL
— Junaid Khan (@JunaidKhanation) January 9, 2025
MI Emirates Want Allah Ghazanfar to Maintain His Exceptional Form
The Kolkata Knight Riders signed Allah Ghazanfar as a replacement for Mujeeb Ur Rahman for Rs 20 lakh in the IPL 2024 season. However, the young Afghan spinner didn’t feature in a single match during the season. The Mumbai Indians secured Ghazanfar for Rs 4.8 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction.
The 18-year-old spinner has already made a mark in T20 cricket. He has taken 29 wickets in 16 matches at an impressive average of 11.62 and an economy rate of 5.71. His best bowling figures are 4/12. MI Emirates will be counting on him to replicate this exceptional form in the upcoming tournament.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Squad for ILT20 Season 3
New signees: Gudakesh Motie, Ibrar Ahmad, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Phil Salt (Wildcard), Roston Chase, Shahid Iqbal Bhutta, Sufiyan Muqeem, Terrance Hinds and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth.
Retention: Aditya Shetty, Ali Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Andries Gous, Charith Asalanka, David Willey, Joe Clarke, Laurie Evans, Michael Pepper and Sunil Narine.
MI Emirates Squad for ILT20 Season 3
New signees: Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Alzarri Joseph, Aryan Lakra, Ben Charlesworth, Fareed Ahmad, Romario Shepherd, Tom Banton, Thomas Draca, and Zahoor Khan.
Retention: Akeal Hosein, Andre Fletcher, Daniel Mousley, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Jordan Thompson, Kieron Pollard, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Muhammad Waseem, Nicholas Pooran, Nosthush Kenjige and Waqar Salamkheil.
International League T20 2025 Season Set to Begin on January 11
The third season of the International League T20 will commence on January 11, 2025, at the Dubai International Stadium. Dubai Capitals will face defending champions MI Emirates in the opening match. The month-long tournament, running until February 9, will feature a total of 34 matches.
Ahead of the tournament, several key squad updates were announced. England opener Phil Salt joined the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders as a Wildcard, while Pakistan spinner Sufiyan Muqeem replaced Hassan Khan in the same squad. Sri Lanka’s Vijayakanth Viyaskanth also joined the Knight Riders.
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