Afghanistan's Ghazanfar ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025
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Afghanistan's young spin sensation AM Ghazanfar has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 due to a back injury, dealing a blow to the team's preparations for the tournament.
The 18-year-old off-spinner, who had been a key part of Afghanistan's bowling attack, has suffered a fracture in the L4 vertebra and will be sidelined for at least four months.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the news on Wednesday, adding that left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote, initially listed as a reserve, will take Ghazanfar's place in the squad.
The injury also means that Ghazanfar will miss the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), where he had recently secured a contract with Mumbai Indians.
Ghazanfar picked up the injury during Afghanistan's tour of Zimbabwe late last year but went on to play in the UAE's ILT20 in January.
His performances, however, were below expectations, as he managed just one wicket in three matches at an economy rate of 9.48.
Kharote, 20, last played for Afghanistan in November 2024 against Bangladesh in Sharjah, where he took three wickets in a match-winning performance.
With a squad already boasting Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad, Afghanistan still has a strong spin contingent, though they continue to be without Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Mujeeb, who played the full SA20 season with Paarl Royals, has not represented Afghanistan since the Zimbabwe tour and was not included in the Champions Trophy squad.
The ACB has stated that he will remain unavailable until he is fully recovered.
Afghanistan begin their Champions Trophy campaign with a challenging group stage, where they will depend on their experienced core and rising talents to make an impact.
Afghanistan squad for the Champions Trophy
Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt)
Rahmat Shah (vice-capt)
Ibrahim Zadran
Ikram Alikhil (wk)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
Sediqullah Atal
Azmatullah Omarzai
Gulbadin Naib
Mohammad Nabi
Rashid Khan
Fareeh Ahmad
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Nangeyalia Kharote
Naveed Zadran
Noor Ahmad
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