Cricket enthusiasts, if you haven’t followed the Afghan prodigy, AM Ghazanfar, then you should start paying attention. At 19 years of age, this ‘mystery spinner’ has made a remarkable impact in all three formats since his first appearance for the international team in 2024. Whether in ODIs and T20s, or standing in Tests, Ghazanfar is yet another testament to Afghanistan’s cricketing portfolio being no ordinary story.
The Early Spark: From Kabul Nets to Big Stage
Ghazanfar’s tale is just one example that proves the sport of cricket is all about talent, but it is just as much about determination. This story starts way back in July 2022, when he was simply a 16-year-old net bowler for the Mis Ainak Knights in the Shpageeza League and waiting for an opportunity. Then came an unexpected late-night phone call from his brother: he was in. Security attempted to intervene, but his nerves were off the charts, yet the teenager walked out on the field ready to bowl the new ball.
Next came what is typically a “lightning in a bottle” situation in textbooks. A few matches on and Ghazanfare produced a four-wicket haul in the powerplay to show the cricket world that he could sustain pressure. Fast forward to 2024, and he was getting six-wicket hauls against Bangladesh and being added to a small list of unique precocious talent with names like Waqar Younis and Rashid Khan. That’s not good for a teenager; that’s stunning!
Mastering the Mystery: Spin Craft and Variations
What really sets Ghazanfar apart is his spin wizardry. This isn’t your everyday off-spinner; he’s a full-on mystery spinner with an arsenal that leaves batters guessing. Googly, carrom ball, arm ball, flipper—you name it, he’s got it. His run-up, hop, and skip, included, is deceptively simple, yet it delivers variations that have both seasoned and upcoming batters scratching their heads.
Mentorship has also been significant. Dawlat Ahmadzai, who has mentored a number of Afghan stars, assisted Ghazanfar hone his game, mentally as well. Ghazanfar learned how to harness his natural talent into a weapon, from understanding the value of backspin to recognizing the cues batters offer. Upon becoming a rival of Ghazanfar’s, Sai Kishore similarly approached Ghazanfar to decipher the young spinners’ craft, which speaks volumes as to Ghazanfar’s growing prominence in cricketing circles.
Taking on the World: Fearless Across Formats
One thing that stands out about Ghazanfar is his mental approach to the game. He does not distinguish between T20s, ODIs, or Tests; Ghazanfar remains focused only on the goal of beating the batter he is opposing. That mindset gave him the ability to step onto the field for his first Test match, having never played first-class cricket, claim four wickets in a Test on a flat track, and impress everyone.
Ghazanfar’s path appears undeterred by a back injury that sidelined him during IPL 2025 after being acquired by the Mumbai Indians for Rs 4.8 crore. He is young, has no fears, and continues to learn—a recipe for becoming one of the world’s great wicket-takers across formats.
FAQs
- Who is AM Ghazanfar?
A 19-year-old Afghan mystery spinner who has made an impact across all formats since his international debut in 2024.
- What makes Ghazanfar’s bowling unique?
He is a mystery spinner with multiple variations, including the googly, carrom ball, arm ball, and flipper, making him hard to read.
- When did Ghazanfar make his international debut?
He debuted in ODIs for Afghanistan in March 2024.
