The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The tournament will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9.
Star all-rounder Rashid Khan has been named captain of the squad. Afghanistan will begin their campaign against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi.
The team features a strong mix of experienced players and young talent. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Sediqullah Atal will lead the top order. Darwish Rasooli and Karim Janat add strength to the middle order.
Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi makes his return. He will join forces with Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai in the all-round department. Young spinner AM Ghazanfar, aged 19, is one of the most exciting names in the squad. He already has two five-wicket hauls in ODIs.
Afghanistan’s main strength lies in its spin attack. Rashid Khan will be supported by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Ghazanfar, and Sharafuddin Ashraf. This gives the team one of the strongest spin units in the tournament.
The pace attack will be led by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq. Omarzai, Naib, and Fareed Malik will support the fast bowlers.
Afghanistan has played only three T20Is in the last year. They won a 2-1 series against Zimbabwe in December 2024. Ahead of the Asia Cup, they will take part in a tri-nation T20I series in Sharjah against Pakistan and the UAE.
Rashid Khan will aim to guide his team to a strong performance. Afghanistan is placed in Group B with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong. They hope to improve on their 2022 campaign, where they beat Sri Lanka in the opener but missed the final.
Notably, Hazratullah Zazai and Zubaid Akbari are not included. Spinner Nangeyalia Kharote has been named in the reserves.
In other related news also read Rashid Khan Says He Can Sleep Better After Australia’s Exit
