Returning Opener Headlines Afghanistan’s Historic ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad
Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead Afghanistan in their maiden ICC Men’s Champions Trophy campaign as the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the 15-player squad on Sunday.
Afghanistan arrives at the tournament on the back of impressive displays at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2023 and last year’s Men’s T20 World Cup, where they finished as semifinalists.
A significant inclusion is that of Ibrahim Zadran, marking a return from an ankle injury he sustained last year. He will accompany the swashbuckling Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top of the batting order, followed by the likes of Rahmat Shah and skipper Shahidi, forming a strong top-four.
The bowling unit is bolstered by the presence of star spinner Rashid Khan, alongside all-rounder Mohammad Nabi and pace spearhead Fazalhaq Farooqi.
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A notable absentee is Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman, who was a key member of Afghanistan’s squad in the Men’s Cricket World Cup back in 2023.
Explaining the absence of the off-spinner, the ACB interim chief selector Ahmad Suliman Khil stated, “Mujeeb Ur Rahman was not available for selection as he has been advised by his doctor to focus on T20s for a while to ensure his full recovery before returning to ODIs. That was also the reason he missed the recently concluded ODI series against Zimbabwe.”
The team has also named three additional reserves to accompany the 15-member squad.
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
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READ MORE – Every ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad
Afghanistan’s Group Stage Fixtures:
- 21 February – Afghanistan vs South Africa, Karachi
- 26 February – Afghanistan vs England, Lahore
- 28 February – Afghanistan vs Australia, Lahore