In a major setback for Afghanistan, their rising spin star Allah Ghazanfar has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 18-year-old has been a standout performer for the Afghan team since making his ODI debut last year. With 21 wickets in just 11 ODIs, he was expected to play a crucial role in Afghanistan’s campaign in the prestigious eight-team tournament in Pakistan. However, an unfortunate injury sustained during Afghanistan’s recent tour of Zimbabwe has now sidelined him for at least four months, forcing him to miss both the Champions Trophy and the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
Allah Ghazanfar’s unfortunate Injury and expected recovery timeline
Ghazanfar’s injury occurred during Afghanistan’s Zimbabwe tour, where he suffered a fracture in the lower back (L4 vertebra, specifically in the left pars interarticularis). Following medical assessment, it has been confirmed that his recovery will take a minimum of four months, making it impossible for him to participate in the Champions Trophy, set to be played in Pakistan in February-March 2025. He will also miss the IPL 2025, where he was signed by the Mumbai Indians (MI) for INR 4.80 crore in the mega auction last year. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) officially confirmed his injury status through an announcement on Wednesday, February 12, via their social media accounts.
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Replacement for the ICC Champions Trophy
With Ghazanfar ruled out, Afghanistan has called up Nangyal Kharoti, who was originally part of the reserves pool, to the 15-member squad for the ICC tournament. Kharoti, a promising young spinner, will now have an opportunity to prove himself on the global stage as Afghanistan prepares for a tough Group B campaign. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will continue to miss the services of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who remains unavailable for ODI selection until he has fully recovered from his injury. With Ghazanfar’s absence being a major blow, Afghanistan will now rely on their experienced players and new additions to step up as they aim for a strong showing in the Champions Trophy 2025.
🚨 INJURY UPDATE 🚨
Afghanistan’s young spin-bowling sensation, 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… pic.twitter.com/g0ALWe7HVe
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 12, 2025
Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign schedule
Despite the setback, Afghanistan are gearing up for their third Champions Trophy appearance, set to begin on February 21, 2025. They will kick off their group-stage matches against South Africa at National Stadium in Karachi. Their second fixture will be against England on February 26 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, followed by a crucial encounter against Australia on February 28 at the same venue. The team will now have to restructure their bowling attack in the absence of their young spin sensation, with extra responsibility likely to fall on Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Kharoti.
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