The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced a 22-member preliminary squad, marking the beginning of their preparations for a crucial T20I season. The team is set to compete in a T20I tri-series and the Asia Cup 2025. This preliminary squad will participate in a two-week training camp in the UAE, after which the final squads for both tournaments will be selected.

Rashid Khan to lead the Afghanistan team, Mujeeb Ur Rahman sidelined

Leading the charge for Afghanistan will be star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who will captain the side in both tournaments. While his recent form in franchise cricket has been a subject of discussion, the ACB has expressed full confidence in their superstar player to deliver on the big stage. Rashid’s leadership and world-class bowling are expected to be pivotal for Afghanistan’s success, especially with his wealth of experience in pressure situations.

The squad also features other prominent names like opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, and the dynamic Azmatullah Omarzai. The team’s powerful spin department often its biggest strength, will however be without a key player. Mujeeb Ur Rahman who is unfortunately missing from the preliminary squad as he continues to recover from a finger injury.

Afghanistan’s 22-member preliminary squad:

Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Wafiuallah Tarakhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Nangyal Kharoti, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Zadran, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad Lakanwal, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveenulhaq, Farid Malik, Saleem Safi, Abdullah Ahmaddzai, and Bashir Ahmad.

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Action-packed T20I season awaits for Afghanistan

Afghanistan is set to take part in a T20I tri-series in the UAE later this month, featuring Pakistan and the host team. The series begins on August 29 in Sharjah, with the final scheduled for September 7. This tournament will offer Afghanistan a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their squad before the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, which will also be held in the UAE. Afghanistan has been drawn in Group B for the Asia Cup, alongside Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. Their opening match is on September 9 against Hong Kong.

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