Afghanistan name strong squad for Asia Cup
Afghanistan team
Afghanistan have named a balanced squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, combining seasoned stars with exciting young talent, with Rashid Khan set to captain the side.
Afghanistan will begin their Asia Cup campaign against Hong Kong, China on September 9 in Abu Dhabi, followed by group-stage fixtures against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
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Before heading into the continental tournament, Afghanistan will participate in a T20I tri-series against Pakistan and the UAE, starting on August 29. This will be Afghanistan’s first T20I series of 2025, with their last match in the format dating back to December 2024 against Zimbabwe.
Following an impressive run in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they defeated New Zealand and Australia before bowing out in the semi-finals, Afghanistan now turn their focus toward preparing for next year’s edition of the tournament.
Rashid Khan, who earned a spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year 2024, will be supported by experienced campaigners Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, and Gulbadin Naib. At the top, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran bring firepower, while youngsters Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai add depth after impressive domestic form.
Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq makes his comeback to the T20I setup after retiring from ODIs, bolstering the pace attack alongside Fazalhaq Farooqi. Rising spinner Allah Ghazanfar also returns from injury, joining an already formidable spin unit of Rashid, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf, and Nabi.
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With variety in bowling and a mix of power and experience in batting, Afghanistan enter the Asia Cup as a well-rounded and formidable side. All their group matches will be played in Abu Dhabi.
Afghanistan’s Asia Cup Group Fixtures:
9 September – vs Hong Kong, China (Abu Dhabi)
16 September – vs Bangladesh (Abu Dhabi)
18 September – vs Sri Lanka (Abu Dhabi)
Afghanistan Squad:
Rashid Khan (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
