AM Ghazanfar, 18, was ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025, hurting Afghanistan’s cricket team. Ghazanfar, a promising bowler, broke his L4 vertebra. He’ll miss the IPL season, where he signed with the Mumbai Indians, due to doctors’ four-month rehabilitation time.
His injury began during Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe late last year and exacerbated during the ILT20 in January. In three tournament matches, Ghazanfar took one wicket at 9.48 despite great hopes.
Afghanistan has summoned up left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote to replace him. Kharote, who took three wickets in his last international match against Bangladesh, joins a spin-heavy team that includes Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad. Ghazanfar and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are missing, but the spin department is strong.
Afghanistan will use their mix of veteran and young players to overcome a tough Champions Trophy group stage. The narrow line between success and failure in top-tier cricket is highlighted by Ghazanfar’s absence.
