Allah Ghazanfar suspiciously swaps Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for MI Emirates ahead of ILT20 2025.
The talented Afghan mystery spinner Allah Ghazanfar was recently traded from Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to MI Emirates, just two days before the start of the third season of ILT20. Allah Ghazanfar will now showcase his skills with MI Emirates franchise in this upcoming T20 tournament in UAE.
Many countries around the world have started organizing T20 leagues similar to the Indian Premier League (IPL), and Dubai is no exception. The International T20 League has been held for two seasons in the United Arab Emirates, both of which have received significant fan support and enthusiasm.
Allah Ghazanfar joins MI Emirates two days before the start of the tournament
Allah Ghazanfar has joined MI Emirates for the ILT20, which is scheduled for Saturday, January 11. Ghazanfar was with Abu Dhabi Knight Riders but was transferred to MI as part of the franchise deal two days before the start of the tournament.
Allah Ghazanfar signed by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders … was traded to MI Emirates just “a few days before” the start of the tournament 😳
This has never happened in any cricket tournament. pic.twitter.com/fgxZmCYbXL
— Junaid Khan (@JunaidKhanation) January 9, 2025
MI Emirates wants Allah Ghazanfar to maintain his outstanding form
Kolkata Knight Riders signed Allah Ghazanfar as a replacement for Mujeeb Ur Rahman for 20 lakh rupees in IPL 2024. However, the young Afghan spinner did not feature in a single match during the season. Mumbai Indians secured Ghazanfar for Rs 4.8 crore during IPL 2025 mega auction.
The 18-year-old spinner has already made his mark in T20 cricket. He took 29 wickets in 16 matches at an impressive average of 11.62 and an economy rate of 5.71. His best bowling figures are 4/12. MI Emirates will be counting on him to repeat this exceptional form in the upcoming tournament.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Squad for ILT20 Season 3
New signings: Gudakesh Motie, Ibrar Ahmad, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Phil Salt (Wildcard), Roston Chase, Shahid Iqbal Bhutta, Sufiyan Muqeem, Terrance Hinds and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth.
Retention: Aditya Shetty, Ali Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Andries Gous, Charith Asalanka, David Willey, Joe Clarke, Laurie Evans, Michael Pepper and Sunil Narine.
MI Emirates Squad for ILT20 Season 3
New signings: Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Alzarri Joseph, Aryan Lakra, Ben Charlesworth, Fareed Ahmad, Romario Shepherd, Tom Banton, Thomas Draca and Zahoor Khan.
Retention: Akeal Hosein, Andre Fletcher, Daniel Mousley, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Jordan Thompson, Kieron Pollard, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Muhammad Waseem, Nicholas Pooran, Nosthush Kenjige and Waqar Salamkheil.
The International T20 League 2025 season starts on January 11
The third season of the International T20 League will begin on January 11, 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium. Dubai Capitals will face defending champions MI Emirates in the first match. The tournament, which will last a month and will last until February 9, will contain a total of 34 matches.
Several key roster updates were announced ahead of the tournament. England opener Phil Salt has joined the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders as a Wildcard, while Pakistan opener Sufiyan Muqeem has replaced Hassan Khan in the same squad. Sri Lanka’s Vijayakanth Viyaskanth also joined the Knight Riders.
