Afghanistan has unveiled their 15-member squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, marking their debut in the prestigious tournament. The team is placed in Group B, alongside formidable opponents England, Australia, and South Africa.
Hashmatullah Shahidi will continue to captain the side in the 50-over format. The squad features the return of Ibrahim Zadran, who has recovered from an injury sustained during a practice session before Afghanistan’s Test against New Zealand in September 2024.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is set to serve as the team’s primary wicketkeeper-batter, while experienced players like Rahmat Shah and captain Shahidi strengthen the middle order. The squad also boasts key all-rounders Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Gulbadin Naib, adding depth and versatility.
The squad includes pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, and Naveed Zadran, with Rashid Khan leading the spin attack, supported by AM Ghazanfar and Noor Ahmad. Spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, with 101 wickets in 75 matches, has been left out. ACB Interim Chief Selector Mr. Ahmad Suliman Khil commented on his omission:
“Mujeeb Ur Rahman was not available for the selection as he has been advised by his doctor to focus on T20s for a while to ensure his full recovery before returning to ODIs. That was also the reason he missed the recently concluded ODI series against Zimbabwe,” [as quoted by Sports Tak].
Happy with our 15-member #AfghanAtalan lineup for the ICC Champions Trophy!? 🤩🏆#ChampionsTrophy 🔗: https://t.co/uZfvLZ8U8D pic.twitter.com/7bmUJuzHFb
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) January 12, 2025
Afghanistan will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign against South Africa on February 21, 2025, in Karachi. They will then take on England on February 26 and Australia on February 28, with both matches set to be held in Lahore.
Afghanistan squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, and Naveed Zadran.
Reserves: Nangyal Kharoti, Darwish Rasooli, and Bilal Sami.
Afghanistan made history in the 2024 ICC event
Afghanistan made history in the 2024 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA. In Group C, they won three of their four group-stage matches, including a significant victory over New Zealand, which earned them a place in the Super 8s.
In the Super 8s, Afghanistan kept their momentum going, defeating Australia and securing a semi-final spot alongside India from Group 1. Although they were knocked out by South Africa in the semi-finals, the campaign was a milestone for Afghanistan, as it marked their first-ever appearance in the semi-finals of an ICC event.
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