Shafiqullah Ghafari extends Durham deal through 2027

Ghafari commits to Durham for another season

Shafiqullah Ghafari has signed a one-year contract extension with Durham, keeping the Afghanistan-born leg-spinner at the club for the 2027 season.

The 24-year-old made 10 appearances in the 2026 One-Day Cup, helping Durham reach the semi-finals. He finished as the club’s leading wicket-taker in the competition, claiming 16 wickets, including career-best figures of 4-36 against Lancashire at Old Trafford in August.

Ghafari had a more limited role in Durham’s County Championship Division Two promotion campaign, appearing once, in the final match against Lancashire. Away from the county side, he took 65 wickets in 23 matches for Richmondshire in the North Yorkshire and South Durham Premier League during 2026.

“I have enjoyed being part of this team over the last couple of years and contributing when I can,” Ghafari said on Durham’s website. “It was great to play a part in the One-Day Cup and hopefully I can continue to take wickets for Durham across all formats into next season.”