The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially unveiled the squad set to play in the forthcoming solitary Test match against Sri Lanka, set to take place from February 2 to February 6 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground located in the capital city of Colombo. This match holds particular significance as it marks the first Test encounter between the two cricketing nations. However, the Afghan team will be without their spin sensation, Rashid Khan, who is currently rehabilitating from a back injury and will consequently miss the historic Test.
In the absence of Rashid Khan, the selectors have called upon Qais Ahmad to join the ranks of the squad, hoping he can fill the void left by the absence of their key player. The team will also welcome two fresh faces, Naveed Zadran and Mohammad Ishaq, both of whom will be eager to make their Test debuts and prove their mettle at the international level.
The squad announcement follows an intensive period of preparation, with the selected players having undergone a strenuous two-week preparation camp in Nangarhar. This was succeeded by a further 10-day conditioning stint in Abu Dhabi, allowing the team to fine-tune their skills under the watchful eyes of a devoted support staff. The ACB has placed a high priority on these preparation camps to ensure players reach peak condition ahead of challenging international fixtures.
The thorough training regimen and recent performances in domestic cricket have been two critical factors in the selection process, according to Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, the newly appointed interim Chief Selector. He stressed the importance of monitoring domestic cricket events, which furnished a platform for the new players to exhibit their capabilities and earn their spots in the national squad.
Mirwais Ashraf, the ACB Chairman, expressed enthusiasm about the inaugural Test match with Sri Lanka, acknowledging the rich history that Sri Lanka carries within the realm of Test cricket. He conveyed the board’s commitment to honing the strengths of the Afghan side not just in limited-overs cricket but also in Tests.
Looking ahead into 2024, Afghanistan is set to engage in a packed schedule with numerous Test matches, signaling a significant focus on the longest format of the game. The country’s cricketing ambitions are clearly pivoting towards building a powerful and competitive Test team.
This strategic announcement comes amid various cricketing news such as the report of liquor bottle recovery involving Saurashtra cricketers and the subsequent potential disciplinary actions, injury updates from the Indian camp with Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul being ruled out of the second Test against England, and the much-anticipated wait for Sarfaraz Khan’s call-up to the Test squad finally ending.
The Afghanistan squad assembled to face Sri Lanka comprises seasoned and emerging talents alike, led by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and vice-captain Rahmat Shah. The batting lineup includes the likes of Ikram Alikhail, Ibrahim Zadran, and Noor Ali Zadran, while the bowling department will feature players such as Zahir Khan and Yamin Ahmadzai. The inclusion of new players, particularly in the bowling unit, points to Afghanistan’s desire to explore its bench strength and adaptability in the longest format.
Afghanistan Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Ikram Alikhail (WK), Mohammad Ishaq (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Noor Ali Zadran, Abdul Malik, Baheer Shah, Nasir Jamal, Qais Ahmad, Zahir Khan, Zia Ur Rehman Akbar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Nijat Masoud, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Naveed Zadran.
As the landmark Test draws near, all eyes will be on how this Afghan unit performs on Sri Lankan soil, hoping to create history and cement their place in Test cricket’s competitive landscape.
