New Delhi, August 24 (HS): Afghanistan on Sunday named a 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, handing the captaincy reins to star all-rounder and world-class spinner Rashid Khan.
The squad presents a blend of experience and youth, with seasoned campaigners Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai spearheading the all-round department. Afghanistan’s famed spin attack will be marshalled by skipper Rashid himself, alongside Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad, while the pace battery will feature Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Malik.
On the batting front, the lineup looks settled with Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, and Sedikullah Atal expected to shoulder the scoring responsibilities. Supporting them will be versatile players like Karim Janat and Gulbadin Naib, strengthening both depth and balance.
Before the Asia Cup, Afghanistan will feature in a T20 tri-series in Sharjah from August 29 against hosts UAE and Pakistan. Many players from that 22-member provisional squad have found place in the final lineup.
Afghanistan will begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign on September 9 against Hong Kong, China. The multi-nation event will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, featuring eight teams divided into two groups. India, UAE, Oman, and Pakistan make up Group A, while Afghanistan are pooled in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and China.
Afghanistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025: Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sedikullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Reserves: Wafiuallah Tarakhil, Nangyal Kharoti, Abdullah Ahmadzai.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
