Afghanistan’s ace offspinner, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, has returned to the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the 2025 season, after a four-year break. Mujeeb, who had been out of the tournament since 2021, now takes the place of his Afghan teammate, AM Ghazanfar, in the Mumbai Indians (MI) team. Ghazanfar, regretfully, suffered a severe back injury that has led him to pull out of both the Champions Trophy and the IPL 2025 season.
Ghazanfar’s Injury and His Absence from the IPL 2025
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AM Ghazanfar’s promising IPL debut was cut short due to a major setback. Originally included in MI’s squad for IPL 2025, the young fast bowler suffered a “fracture of the L4 vertebra” during Afghanistan’s recent tour to Zimbabwe.
This injury, which was confirmed by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), will keep Ghazanfar out of commission for a minimum of four months, excluding him from both the much-awaited Champions Trophy and the IPL. Ghazanfar had won his IPL contract based on his performances in ODIs, but this injury has paved the way for Mujeeb’s return to the IPL.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman: A Seasoned IPL Veteran
Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s return to the IPL is the return of one of the most effective and consistent spinners of T20 cricket. The 23-year-old made his IPL debut in 2018 when he signed with Punjab Kings as a 17-year-old sensation. In three seasons with the team, Mujeeb played 18 games, demonstrating his sharp variations and tight hold in the middle overs.
Even though he had made only a few IPL appearances, Mujeeb had established himself as a consistent bowler who could apply pressure and pick up key wickets.
Mujeeb’s IPL career had been in limbo since a short stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2021. His comeback is important, as he has a strong record in T20 cricket. With 275 T20 wickets at a rate of 23.67 and an economy of 6.75, Mujeeb is considered to be among the most impressive spinners in the format. His capacity to pick wickets while keeping the run rate under control has made him a favorite among players in domestic circuits across the globe.
Mujeeb’s Recent Performances: Dominating the T20 Circuit
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Though Mujeeb’s career in the IPL has been short, his innings in T20 leagues across the world have only added to his stature. He represented Paarl Royals recently in South Africa’s SA20, where he was the leading wicket-taker for the team with 14 wickets from 12 games. His great bowling, however, was unable to stop Paarl Royals from being defeated by Sunrisers Eastern Cape in Qualifier 2. Mujeeb’s steady performance in T20 matches indicates his ability to perform in high-pressure games, and his experience will prove to be an asset for MI in the coming season.
Injury Struggles and Recovery: Mujeeb’s Journey Back to Fitness
Mujeeb’s return to fitness has not been easy. Last year, he was sidetracked with a right phalanx (hand) sprain that benched him for five months. After rehabilitation, Mujeeb resumed competitive cricket by featuring in the Abu Dhabi T10 and Afghanistan’s T20I series against Zimbabwe. These games returned him to his best before finally allowing him to feature in the SA20, where he sustained his strong showings.
Though Mujeeb was not picked for Afghanistan’s team for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, it was a deliberate choice after consulting his doctors to prioritize T20 cricket for a period of time. This was a tactical decision that was made with the intention of not hastening Mujeeb’s recovery but to enable him to get back to ODIs once he was fully restored to strength.
Mujeeb Signs with Mumbai Indians for IPL 2025
Unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, Mujeeb’s chance to play for MI was brought about by Ghazanfar’s injury. Mujeeb was signed in as a cover for the injured fast bowler, earning himself a spot in MI’s team for the season. The signing was finalized at a price of INR 2 crore (around US $230,764), which will see Mujeeb bring his extensive T20 experience to the already formidable bowling lineup of MI.
Mujeeb’s Return Provides Strength to Mumbai Indians’ Bowling Attack
Mujeeb’s inclusion is a significant boost to the Mumbai Indians squad, which already boasts experienced pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer. However, Mujeeb’s expertise in the spin department gives MI added depth and variety. His ability to control the middle overs with his variations, combined with his consistent wicket-taking ability, makes him a valuable asset to MI’s bowling attack as they aim to compete for another IPL title.
With Ghazanfar out through injury, Mujeeb has a great chance now to show his talent on one of the world’s largest cricketing platforms. His return to the IPL follows a bout of rehabilitation and hard work, and he will seek to establish that his skills and experience are enough to contribute significantly to IPL 2025.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s IPL Return and Mumbai Indians’ Expectations
The return of Mujeeb Ur Rahman to the 2025 IPL season gives Mumbai Indians an experienced and dependable spinner, making their bowling lineup stronger as they look to mount a challenge for the title. With his rich experience of success in T20 competitions, Mujeeb will be eager to make his presence felt in the IPL again, this time after a four-year gap. For MI, his addition is a welcome move to strengthen their spin resources, and for Mujeeb, it is the opportunity to shine and help MI achieve success next season.
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