IPL 2023 Auction: Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, an up-and-coming right-arm off-spinner for Afghanistan, is only 15 years old, but he has already discovered his passion for cricket and is driven to succeed in the game at a time when kids his age are focusing on academics.
When he registered his name for the next IPL 2023 mini-auction, which is scheduled to take place in Kochi on December 23, Ghazanfar became the youngest-ever player in the auction’s history. His starting price is INR 20 lakh.
Ghazanfar, meanwhile, claimed that he is inspired by the seasoned Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
India’s Ravichandran Ashwin has excelled as a spinner: Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar
“Ashwin has been India’s top spinner, and I appreciate his variety. I have always looked up to him,” Ghazanfar said in an interview with Sportstar from Kabul.
At the same time, the 6 feet 2-inch tall aspiring spinner spoke candidly about how he first fell in love with the sport and his motivation for entering the lucrative competition at such a young age.
The boy said, “I used to play tennis ball cricket in my neighbourhood, but with my coach’s help, I started bowling spin. Soon, I developed an action, and there hasn’t been any turning back since,” he said.
“My ultimate goal is to play for Afghanistan. I’ve played a lot of junior cricket. I am particularly looking forward to the IPL because it will let me learn a lot from the Indian and international players, which will help me get better at my game. I’m hoping a franchise will choose me,” he remarked.
If any of the ten franchises express interest in the Afghan teen, it will be interesting to watch. However, he will be eager to demonstrate his mettle in the toughest T20 competition in the world.
Earlier this year, Ghazanfar registered his name for the Big Bash League (BBL) auction as well, but he was unsuccessful in finding any buyers.
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