The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) displayed a confident stance as they announced on Sunday, February 4, a robust squad that is set to confront Sri Lanka in the much-anticipated ODI series. The squad’s composition has sparked conversations, with the notable exclusion of star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who is still on the mend from his recent back surgery. His absence has been compounded by the fact that he has not participated in any competitive cricket since the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
Despite Rashid’s absence, the squad sees the return of the versatile all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, strengthening the team’s composition for the 15-member squad. Naib’s return comes after a gap of four months, with his last ODI outing being in the Asia Cup 2023.
The ACB’s selection panel has also placed its trust in the young leg-spinner, Qais Ahmad, who has only a single ODI appearance to his credit, a game played two years ago. His inclusion points toward the team’s strategy of blending youthful exuberance with seasoned expertise.
The squad also shines the spotlight on an exciting new talent, Naveed Zadran, an 18-year-old pacer who grabbed attention with four wickets on his Test debut in the ongoing match against Afghanistan in Colombo. Zadran’s rapid ascent and prowess with the ball have made him the preferred choice to step into the shoes of the recently retired pacer Naveen-ul-Haq.
“We have consistently striven to secure more bilateral cricket matches and create a busy schedule for our national teams,” stated ACB CEO Naseeb Khan. “This marks our third visit to Sri Lanka in the past 16 months, which is a promising sign moving forward. The selectors have selected a strong line-up and we eagerly anticipate an exciting series ahead.”
The announcement comes as part of the ACB’s ongoing efforts to ensure that Afghan cricket continues to experience an uptick in international exposure and experience, crucial factors for its growth and performance on the world stage.
In addition to the excitement on the field, the series is poised to be a meeting ground of strategic gameplay and sportsmanship. With an experienced core and the injection of fresh talent, Afghanistan aims to present a formidable challenge to their Sri Lankan counterparts.
The squad includes the likes of Hashmatullah Shahidi, who will captain the side, alongside vice-captain Rahmat Shah. The batting department is equipped with Ibrahim Zadran and Riaz Hassan to provide the necessary stability. The experienced Mohammad Nabi will lend his all-round capabilities, while wicket-keeping responsibilities will be manned by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ikram Alikhil. The bowling ensemble includes names like Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi, expected to deliver crucial breakthroughs for their team.
To cover all bases, the squad has also named reserves, ensuring a backup in the form of Sharafuddin Ashraf, Shahidullah, Abdul Rahman, and Bilal Sami, thereby maintaining a buffer for the uncertainties of sport injuries and form fluctuations.
With this carefully considered selection, the Afghanistan ODI Squad is as follows: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran, Farid Ahmad.
As the series draws near, the cricket fraternity, particularly in Afghanistan, waits with bated breath to see how the squad will fare without their renowned spinner, Rashid Khan. Their prowess on Sri Lankan soil will not only be a testament to their recent form but also an indicator of their ability to rise to the challenge in the face of adversity. As the gentleman’s game demands, adaptability and team coherence will be key to a successful campaign in the upcoming face-off on the pitch.
