The mysterious Afghanistan 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 franchise Emirates in this upcoming T20 tour 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 running for two seasons in the UAE, 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 to start on Saturday, January 11. Ghazanfar was with Abu Dhabi Knight Riders but was transferred to MI as part of a franchise deal two days before the start of the tournament.
Allah Ghazanfar, who was signed by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders… has been traded to MI Emirates just “a few days before” the start of the tournament 😳
This has never happened in any cricket tournament. pandc.twandtteR.cam/fMrxZmCYbXIT
— Junaid Khan (@JunaidKhanation) JanuaRy 9, 2025
MI Emirates want Allah Ghazanfar to maintain his exceptional form
Kolkata Knight Riders signed Allah Ghazanfar as Mujeeb Ur Rahman's replacement for Rs 20 lakh in the IPL 2024 season. 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 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 banking on him to replicate 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, Andrew RussellAndries Gous, Charith Asalanka, David Willey, Joe Clarke, Laurie Evans, Michael Pepper and Sunil Narine.
MI Emirates Squad for ILT20 Season 3
New signatories: Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Alzarri JosephAryan Lakra, Ben Charlesworth, Fareed Ahmad, Romario Shepherd, Tom Banton, Thomas Draca and Zahoor Khan.
Retention: Akeal Hosein, Andre FletcherDaniel 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 will start 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 opening match. The month-long tournament, which runs until February 9, will feature a total of 34 matches.
Ahead of the tournament, some key squad updates were announced. England opener Phil Salt joined Abu Dhabi Knight Riders as a Wildcard while Pakistan's Sufiyan Muqeem replaced Hassan Khan in the same squad. Vijayakanth Viyaskanth from Sri Lanka also joined the Knight Riders.