Photo via BBC Sport

Durham bowler Ghafari extends contract

Durham’s leg-spinner Shafiqullah Ghafari has agreed to a one-year contract extension, securing his place at the club through the 2027 season. The 24-year-old Afghan-born bowler, who now holds asylum in England, played a key role in Durham’s 2026 One-Day Cup campaign, making 10 appearances and helping the side reach the semi-finals.

His standout performance came in August, when he recorded career-best figures of 4-36 against Lancashire at Old Trafford, finishing the tournament as Durham’s leading wicket-taker with 16 dismissals. Beyond county cricket, Ghafari contributed significantly in the North Yorkshire and South Durham Premier League, where he took 65 wickets in 23 games for Richmondshire last season.

Though he appeared only once during Durham’s successful County Championship Division Two promotion push—against Lancashire in the final match—his impact in limited-overs cricket has been clear. In a statement, Ghafari expressed his enjoyment of contributing to the team and his ambition to maintain his wicket-taking form across all formats next year.

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