In a significant move ahead of two major international tournaments, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a 22-member preliminary squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and the Tri-Nation Series. The selection reflects Afghanistan’s growing ambitions in white-ball cricket, with experienced spinner Rashid Khan leading the side as captain.
Preparation Underway in UAE
The team is set to undergo a two-week training camp in the United Arab Emirates, where players will focus on physical conditioning, skill refinement, and tactical planning. The UAE’s familiar pitches and weather make it an ideal location for final preparations before the tournament season begins.
Rashid Khan’s leadership continues to be a cornerstone for the Afghan squad. Known globally for his dominance in T20 leagues and consistent match-winning performances, Rashid brings a strong sense of direction to the team. He will be supported by a robust spin attack that includes Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad Lakanwal, and Sharafuddin Ashraf.
Balanced Squad with Depth in All Departments
Afghanistan’s pace options also look promising. Left-arm pacer Fazal Haq Farooqi leads a young but talented seam lineup featuring Naveen-ul-Haq, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Karim Janat—each capable of adapting to the UAE’s conditions with swing and variation.
The batting unit combines experience and youth. Wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz is likely to open alongside Ibrahim Zadran, while Darwish Rasooli adds firepower in the middle order. Meanwhile, uncapped players like Sediqullah Atal and Wafiullah Tarakhil offer fresh energy and a chance to make an impression before final squad selection.
What’s Next?
The final squad for both the Asia Cup and the Tri-Nation Series will be selected after the conclusion of the training camp later this month. With this mix of seasoned performers and emerging prospects, Afghanistan is aiming to position itself as a serious contender on the Asian cricket stage.
Afghanistan’s Preliminary Squad (2025):
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Gulbadin Naib, Naveen-ul-Haq, Saleem Safi, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Mujeeb Zadran, AM Ghazanfar, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Ibrahim Zadran, Noor Ahmad Lakanwal, Bashir Ahmad, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Ishaq, Rashid Khan (c), Mohammad Nabi, Nangyal Kharoti, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Karim Janat
