Richmondshire is delighted to confirm the signing of Afghan sensation Shafiqullah Ghafari for their 2022 NYSD campaign.
U19 WC star
Ghafari is yet another star tweaker coming through the Afghan ranks.
The leg-spinner has already earned international recognition courtesy of his exploits at the ICC U19 World Cup in South Africa back in January 2020.
The Afghan sensation was the tournament’s second-leading wicket-taker bagging 16 wickets at 7, all with an economy of 2.45 per over. He opened his U19 campaign against the hosts (South Africa) by taking the best figures by an Afghan bowler in U19 Cricket World Cup history (6-15).
He would go on to impress throughout the tournament taking figures of 5-23 (v UAE), 0-36 (v Pakistan), 1-23 (v Australia), and 4-15 (v South Africa), finishing second to IPL star Ravi Bishnoi (with 17 wickets at 10.64).
Domestic all-rounder
The spinner has since played domestic cricket in Afghanistan, either side of COVID. Most recently he was part of Band-e-Amir Region’s run to the Ahmad Shah Abdali 4-Day Tournament final, where he filled the role as an all-rounder.
Ghafari is a very handy batter in the middle order and has already chalked up 2 half-centuries, and a first-class average of 28.22.
Set for English stint
The all-rounder is a serious prospect for Afghanistan cricket and is set to continue his development abroad having recently signed with Richmondshire for their 2022 North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League campaign.
