IPL: Mujeeb Ur Rahman replaces injured Allah Ghazanfar at MI
What's the story
Mumbai Indians (MI) have confirmed the signing of Afghanistan spinner, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
The strategic move comes as a response to an injury sustained by Allah Ghazanfar, who was initially signed by MI for ₹4.8 crore after a bidding war with Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
However, Ghazanfar's recent injury has ruled him out of both the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the forthcoming IPL season.
Career trajectory
Rahman's IPL journey and performance
A right-arm off-spinner, Rahman made his IPL debut in the 2018 season with Punjab Kings.
He was supposed to play for Kolkata Knight Riders last year but an injury kept him out of the tournament.
Ironically, Ghazanfar had replaced him in the KKR squad in 2018.
Rahman has played 19 IPL matches so far and taken as many wickets.
He joins MI for ₹2 crore as per a statement on the IPL's website.
Fitness goals
Rahman's focus on fitness and T20 record
Rahman, who wasn't picked for the Champions Trophy, is now eyeing to work on his fitness through the shortest format of the game.
He was among the youngest players to represent Afghanistan and made an instant impact with his bowling.
Over his career, Rahman has played more than 256 T20 games, taking nearly 275 wickets at an economy of around 6.75, as per ESPNcricinfo.
DYK
Ghazanfar had ignited a bidding war
Notably, Ghazanfar had a base price of ₹75 lakh at the mega auction.
MI went all out and got the player for a sum of ₹4.80 crore. The likes of KKR and RCB were interested and bid as well.
But it was MI who got the player instead. However, an injury during the recent series against Zimbabwe mean the spinner will miss the competition.