Durham Cricket can announce leg spinner Shafiqullah Ghafari has signed a one-year deal with Durham.
Bas de Leede will also depart the Club as he looks to prioritize his international commitments with the Netherlands.
Ghafari joins Durham on a deal for the 2026 season – having spent time with the County during the back end of last season’s campaign.
Born in Central Asia, the 24-year-old leg break bowler qualifies as a local player following his successful asylum claim.
Ghafari has impressed while playing club cricket for Richmondshire in the North Yorkshire and South Durham Premier League, closing in on 300 wickets in three seasons at an average below 14 whilst scoring one century and five half-centuries.
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 the second-highest wicket tally at the 2020 tournament, bagging 16 wickets in South Africa at an average of seven.
The Afghan-born cricketer made his first-class debut for Kabul in April 2019 and has gone on to take 39 wickets at 27 in 12 appearances in the Ahmad Shah Abdali 4-Day Tournament with a best of 7/44 against Mis Anak in October 2022.
Ghafari claimed five wickets in two games during his short spell with Durham last season.
Director of Cricket, Marcus North said: “We’re delighted to have Shafiqullah on board for next season as a locally qualified player.
“He’s a cricketer we’ve been watching closely during his time in club cricket in the area.
“Shafiqullah brings us another all format option with his leg-spin, and this opportunity is thoroughly deserved.”
On joining Durham, Ghafari said: “The past three years have been some of the hardest of my life filled with challenges, sacrifices, and moments that tested my spirit. But every struggle made me stronger and reminded me why I love this game so deeply.
“Today, I’m truly proud and grateful to return to professional cricket. This comeback is not just about me it’s about growth, perseverance, and never giving up on what you love.
“Now that I’m back, my full focus and energy are on giving everything I have for my club — to work harder than ever, to perform, and to make every moment count.”
Durham Cricket can announce that Bas de Leede will depart the Club as he looks to prioritize his international commitments with the Netherlands.
De Leede who joined Durham ahead of the 2023 season spent three summers in the North East – contributing across both formats with both bat and ball, scoring his maiden first-class century with 103 against Sussex.
The 26-year-old was restricted to just two appearances for Durham last summer with both outings coming in the County Championship – due to a back issue.
With the Netherlands regularly competing in World Cup Qualifiers around the world, de Leede has decided to step back from his county commitments to manage his workload and focus on playing for the Dutch side.
Marcus North, Director of Cricket said: “After consultation with Bas we fully understand his decision to step back from county commitments at Durham.
“Playing for the Netherlands is something Bas is extremely passionate about and with the rigorous County schedule – Bas wishes to focus on playing for the Dutch side and remaining as fit as he can be.
“We will remain in communication with Bas over the coming months and I am sure we will see him back in a Durham shirt down the line, for now we wish him the best for the future.”