Hardik bhai kept in contact and greatly inspired me in spite of the injury. I spoke with Tilak for a long time about the game as well. India Today cited Ghazanfar, who will play in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament, as stating, “I hope Hardik bhai is my captain again this season.”
Afghanistan’s 19-year-old spin sensation, AM Ghazanfar, discusses his thoughts on enduring a challenging season and speculates about his possible retention by the Mumbai Indians (MI) for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).
During the IPL 2025 mega-auction, Ghazanfar initiated a bidding war in which MI competed with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the services of the adolescent. The five-time champions ultimately paid an incredible INR 4.8 crore to sign him.
At that time, Ghazanfar had not yet made his T20I debut. But shortly before the 2025 Indian Premier League, the tweaker suffered a fracture to his lower back, which prevented him from competing.
In the past 12 months, the Paktia native, who played for KKR in the 2024 Indian Premier League, has represented Afghanistan in all three formats. Before the mini-auction, which is scheduled for December, he hopes to be hired by MI.
Ghazanfar disclosed that he had communicated with MI captain Hardik Pandya and batsman Tilak Varma.
In addition to playing international cricket, Ghazanfar has been participating in franchise leagues all over the world. He acknowledged that the intense activity has worn him out physically.
“I participated in seven or eight tournaments, playing a lot of cricket back-to-back. My body wasn’t prepared for the additional strain when the test arrived. I’ve fully recovered and gained a lot of wisdom since then,” he remarked.
Ghazanfar recalls meeting one of the spinners he has modelled himself after, Ravichandran Ashwin, while he was with KKR.
He offered insightful experience. Even if you don’t participate, the IPL teaches you how to perform under tremendous pressure,” he remarked.
Retention announcements must be made before November 15. Whether MI chooses to keep Ghazanfar for the 2026 Indian Premier League would be interesting to see.
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