NEW DELHI: Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead Afghanistan in their first ever Champions Trophy appearance, the country’s cricket board announced on Sunday.
The ICC’s cricketing extravaganza begins from February 19.
Afghanistan’s recent performances have been impressive at the ICC events. They reached the semifinals of the T20 World Cup last year and also had a good showing at the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Ibrahim Zadran is returning from an ankle injury sustained last year. He will join Rahmanullah Gurbaz as an opening batsman.
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Rahmat Shah and captain Shahidi will strengthen the top-order batting lineup.
Star spinner Rashid Khan, all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, and pace spearhead Fazalhaq Farooqi are key members of the bowling attack.
Spinner Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman, a crucial player in the 2023 ODI World Cup, will not be part of the squad.
Three reserve players have also been added to the 15-member squad.
Afghanistan will be eager to make a strong impression in their inaugural Champions Trophy appearance.
Afghanistan’s Group Stage Fixtures:
21 February – Afghanistan vs South Africa, Karachi
26 February – Afghanistan vs England, Lahore
28 February – Afghanistan vs Australia, Lahore
Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran.
Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami
