Afghanistan Cricket Board Announces New Leadership and Squads for Sri Lanka Series

Afghanistan National Team's New Squads Unveiled

On Thursday, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Ibrahim Zadran, who previously held the position of vice-captain in T20 internationals, has been appointed as the new captain of the Afghanistan T20I team, succeeding Rashid Khan.

Changes in the Squad

The selection committee has made notable changes, excluding left-arm fast bowler Fazal Haq Farooqi, all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq from both squads. In contrast, Noor Rahman, a top-order wicketkeeper-batter, along with left-arm spin all-rounder Sharafuddin Ashraf and left-arm fast bowler Fareed Ahmad, have been included in the T20I lineup.

Fareed Ahmad Malik returns to the ODI squad, while Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi earns his first call-up to the ODI team. Bilal Sami, who recently achieved a five-wicket haul and was named Player of the Match in his last ODI, remains in the ODI squad and is also part of the T20I reserves.

Reserves for Both Squads

The T20I reserves will include Bilal Sami, Nangyal Kharoti, and Ijaz Ahmadzai. Meanwhile, the ODI reserves consist of Bashir Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Qais Ahmad.

Insights from the Chief Selector

Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, the Chief Selector of ACB, commented on the leadership transition, stating, "Rashid Khan's leadership brought significant success, particularly during the 2024 T20 World Cup where we reached the semi-finals. In line with ACB's strategic vision and recent changes in our management, we have decided to shift the leadership in the T20I team."

He further expressed gratitude towards Rashid Khan for his contributions and wished Ibrahim Zadran success in his new role. Sulimankhil emphasized the goal of preparing the team for the upcoming World Cup events, hoping that the new leadership will enhance the team's performance and strengthen its competitive edge.

Complete T20I Squad

The Afghanistan T20I squad includes: Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Noor Rahman (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, and Abdullah Ahmadzai.

Reserves: Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami, and Ijaz Ahmadzai.

Complete ODI Squad

The Afghanistan ODI squad comprises: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, and Bilal Sami.

Reserves: Qais Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Bashir Ahmad.