The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has named a 22-member preliminary squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28. Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan will continue to lead the national side.
The squad features several established T20 names including Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naveen ul Haq. In addition, a number of emerging talents have been rewarded with call-ups following impressive performances in domestic competitions and for the A team.
Uncapped top-order batter Wafiullah Tarakhil is a potential option to open the innings alongside regulars Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. Another promising top-order player, Sediqullah Atal, is also in contention to make the final squad.
Among the pace bowling ranks, young quicks Abdullah Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad, and Saleem Safi have been included for the preparatory camp. Known for their raw pace, the pace trio will look to make their case alongside regular seamers Farooqi, Naveen, and Farid Malik.
Preparatory Camp Planned as Afghanistan Gears Up for Tri-Series, Asia Cup
In the spin department, Sharafuddin Ashraf, who was named Player of the Tournament in the recently concluded Shpageeza Cricket League 2025, and Nangyal Kharoti add to an already strong group featuring Rashid, Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Most of the preliminary squad recently featured in the Shpageeza Cricket League, Afghanistan’s premier domestic T20 competition. The Rashid Khan-led squad will now gather for a two-week training camp in preparation for a tri-nation series against Pakistan and UAE. The series will be held in Sharjah from August 29 to September 7.
The tri-series will follow a round-robin format. Afghanistan are scheduled to play four matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, followed by a final if they qualify.
Afghanistan’s 22-member preliminary squad:
Rashid Khan (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wk), Sediqullah Atal, Wafiullah 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, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveen ul Haq, Farid Malik, Saleem Safi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad.
For More Sports Related News: Follow RevSportz