Durham Cricket are pleased to announce that Shafiqullah Ghafari has penned a one-year contract extension.
The 24-year-old has impressed for Durham in this year’s Metro Bank One Day Cup, extending terms until at least the end of the 2027 campaign.
Ghafari claimed List A career best figures of 4/36 against Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground, ending the 50-over competition as the Club’s top wicket-taker with 16 poles as Durham made the semi-finals.
The Afghan-born bowler has continued to thrive playing club cricket for Richmondshire in the North Yorkshire and South Durham Premier League, having taken 345 wickets and closing in on 2,000 runs scored across four seasons.
A former Afghanistan under-19 international, Ghafari claimed record figures for an Afghan at an ICC U19 World Cup with 6/15 on his way to 16 wickets at the 2020 tournament in South Africa.
Ghafari picked up five wickets in two games with Durham in 2025, adding to his previous 39 first-class wickets in 12 matches, while he returned to the County Championship side to finish off the season as Durham went up against Lancashire in Manchester.
On his extension, Ghafari said: “ I am really pleased to have signed with Durham for another year.
“I have enjoyed being part of this team over the last couple of years and contributing when I can.
“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.”
Director of Cricket and High-Performance Coaching Ryan Campbell said: “It is great news that Shaf has signed with us for another year.
“He bowled exceptionally well in the One Day Cup throughout this season, playing a part in our successful run through to the semi-final.
“With another strong pre-season under his belt, we are confident Shaf can continue to push on and perform for Durham with both a red and a white ball across formats.”