IPL 2024: Who Is Allah Ghazanfar? KKR Bring In A 16-Year-Old Replacement For Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced Afghanistan's 16-year-old Allah Ghazanfar as a replacement for the injured Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on Thursday. Mujeeb Ur Rahman sustained a hand injury prior to the start of the ODI series against Sri Lanka, ruling him out of IPL 2024. He was unable to play in the T20I series against Sri Lanka and Ireland due to his recovery. Allah Ghazanfar is a right-arm offspinner and was the youngest player in the IPL 2024 auction. Ghazanfar has represented Afghanistan in 2 ODIs. The youngster has played 3 T20s and 6 List A matches and has 5 and 4 wickets, respectively, against his name. He joins KKR for his base price of INR 20 Lakhs.

Meet Allah Ghazanfar - KKR's latest mystery spinner

Hailing from Zurmat district in Paktia province, Ghazanfar initially started as a fast bowler due to his height of 6ft 2 inches before transforming into a spinner under the guidance of former Afghanistan captain Dawlat Ahmadzai. Ghazanfar was part of the Afghanistan team in the U-19 World Cup in South Africa in 2024. He scored 52 runs in four innings and took eight wickets, making him the second-highest wicket-taker for his team. Ghazanfar made his international debut last month against Ireland and has played two ODIs.

Inspired by legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, Allah Ghazanfar is a right-arm offspinner and was the youngest player in the IPL 2024 auction. The ongoing IPL season has already seen a product from the U-19 World Cup 2024. South Africa pacer Kwena Maphaka recently made his debut for Mumbai Indians, though he returned with 0/66 on his maiden outing. Allah Ghazanfar would want to make a better start if opportunities come his way. The slow tracks at Kolkata's Eden Gardens would suit him to perfection.

"Ashwin has been a champion spinner for India, and I like his variations. I have always considered him my inspiration," Allah Ghazanfar said.

Kolkata Knight Riders take on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore on March 29. Both Royal Challengers and the Knight Riders are coming off a win, with KKR beating Sunrisers Hyderabad and RCB doing the same against Punjab Kings. Though the victories were far from comfortable, they will be keen to build on that confidence.