KABUL: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) revealed its 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place from 19 February to 9 March in Pakistan and the UAE. The squad includes notable returns and changes, with top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran making his comeback after recovering from an ankle injury. Mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar has been named as a replacement for Mujeebur Rahman, who has opted to focus on his recovery and prioritize T20 cricket.
Sediqullah Atal, who was named player of the series in Afghanistan’s recent ODI series against Zimbabwe, is also part of the squad. Atal’s impressive performance, which included a century and a half-century, earned him a spot in the team ahead of the prestigious tournament.
ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf expressed confidence in the team’s potential, citing Afghanistan’s strong performances in recent ICC events like the 2023 Cricket World Cup and the ICC World T20 2024. “Their success in these tournaments will help them build momentum for the Champions Trophy,” Ashraf said, adding that the appointment of former Pakistan captain Younis Khan as the team’s mentor would provide further experience to guide the squad.
Read more: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Younis Khan appointed as mentor for Afghanistan cricket team
Explaining Mujeeb’s absence from the squad, Interim Chief Selector Ahmad Suliman Khil stated that Mujeeb’s doctor advised him to focus on T20 cricket to ensure a full recovery before returning to ODIs. He also emphasized the team’s readiness, noting the familiarity with conditions in both Pakistan and the UAE and the plans for a preparation camp ahead of the tournament.
Afghanistan’s Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain)
- Rahmat Shah (Vice-Captain)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper)
- Ikram Alikhil (Wicketkeeper)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rashid Khan
- AM Ghazanfar
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Naveed Zadran
- Fareed Ahmad Malik
Reserves:
- Darwish Rasooli
- Nangyal Kharoti
- Bilal Sami
Key Fixtures:
- 21 February: Afghanistan vs South Africa in Karachi
- 26 February: Afghanistan vs England in Lahore
- 28 February: Afghanistan vs Australia in Lahore
The Afghan team is set to take on some of the world’s top teams and will be hoping for a strong campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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