Afghanistan Announces Squad for Asia Cup 2025

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has officially announced its squad for the Asia Cup 2025, featuring star players like Rashid Khan. With a strong lineup, the team aims to make a significant impact in the tournament. Notably, Afghanistan has not played T20 cricket this year, and the squad sees some changes from their last outing. They will face Hong Kong in their opening match on September 9, with further matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. To prepare, Afghanistan will also compete in a tri-series against the UAE and Pakistan, enhancing their readiness for the Asia Cup.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 24, 2025, 12:46 IST

Afghanistan's Team Announcement for Asia Cup

Afghanistan Squad For Asia Cup: The Afghanistan Cricket Board revealed the team for the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday. The 17-member squad boasts several match-winners capable of making a significant impact in T20 matches. Star spinner Rashid Khan will lead the team in the Asia Cup, with fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq making a return to the lineup.

Recent Performance and Squad Changes

It is noteworthy that Afghanistan has not played T20 cricket this year, with their last T20I series occurring in December 2024 against Zimbabwe. Only two players from that squad have been excluded. Hazratullah Zazai and Zubaid Akbari have been dropped, while Ibrahim Zadran and Sharafuddin Ashraf return after missing the Zimbabwe tour.

Asia Cup Match Schedule

Afghanistan is considered a strong contender for the Asia Cup 2025 alongside India. Although both teams are in separate groups, they are set to face each other in the Super-4 stage. Rashid Khan's squad will kick off the tournament against Hong Kong on September 9, followed by matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Tri-Series Before the Asia Cup

Preparation for the Asia Cup with a Tri-Series

To bolster their preparations for the Asia Cup 2025, Afghanistan will participate in a triangular series against the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan starting August 29. Since the Asia Cup matches will be held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, all matches of this tri-series will take place in Sharjah. This series is expected to significantly aid their readiness for the Asia Cup. Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has confirmed that the initially announced 22-member squad will participate in the tri-series.

Afghanistan Team for Asia Cup 2025:

Rashid Khan (Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Gzafar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.