The world’s most popular men’s T20 cricket franchise league, the Indian Premier League (IPL), is gearing up for its 16th edition, which is going to be held in 2023.
The T-20 franchise, founded in 2008, has gained enormous popularity over the years. The annual cricket league is a global event for all cricket lovers around the world. It is also known as the “TATA IPL 2023,” as the company is the official sponsor of the league.
The preparation for the upcoming season is in full swing, and the mini auction is set to be held on December 23, 2022, in Kochi, Kerala. A total of 991 players, including 714 Indians and 277 foreigners, have already signed for the mini-auction.
Ahead of the IPL 2023 mini auction, one name that is making buzz is that of 15-year-old player Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, who has become the youngest player ever to have registered his name for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League.
Who is Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar?
Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, the 15-year-old young talent, is an off-spinner who hails from Afghanistan, the country that has already given some of the world-class players like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, and Mohammad Nabi to the cricket-world.
Ghazanfar hails from the Paktia province of Afghanistan and lives with his family in the country’s capital, Kabul. He is the youngest in his family and has 5 older brothers.
The Afghan teenager, who has registered himself in a bracket of INR 20 lakh, has gotten inspiration from Indian off-spinner Ravi Chandran Ashwin, and his bowling style is quite similar to that of the latter.
Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar’s Career So Far
Ghazanfar began as a fast bowler, but after being taught spin bowling by former Afghanistan captain Dawlat Ahmadzai, he became fascinated with spin bowling.
After playing Under-16, he got an opportunity to train with Afghanistan U-19 players, with whom he gets training at the Mirza Mohammad Katawazai Cricket Centre in Kabul.
He made his debut playing for the Mis Ainak Knights in the Afghan Shpageeza Cricket League. Apart from that, he has also played for the Rawalpindi Riders in the Pakistan Junior League.