(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Afghanistan Names Preliminary Squad for Asia Cup 2025 and Tri-Nation Series – Rashid Khan to Lead
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced a 22-member preliminary squad for the upcoming tri-nation series and the highly anticipated 2025 Asia Cup. Star all-rounder Rashid Khan has been named as captain, leading a talented group of players aiming to make a major mark on the international stage.
Before finalizing the squad, the players will attend a two-week training camp in the UAE, focusing on fitness, skill development, and tactical preparation. The camp aims to equip the team for the intense competition ahead.
Spin Powerhouse Led by Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan’s appointment as skipper comes as no surprise. Known globally as one of the top T20 spinners, he is backed by a strong spin unit including Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad Lakanwal, Sharafuddin Ashraf, and seasoned campaigner Mohammad Nabi. With this lineup, Afghanistan looks set to pursue a “spin to win” strategy in subcontinental conditions.
Balanced Pace Attack
Afghanistan’s pace attack features a dynamic mix of talent and experience. Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Karim Janat bring both swing and seam options, ideal for conditions in the UAE and beyond.
Promising Batting Lineup
On the batting front, wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz headlines a unit that includes experienced names like Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli, along with exciting young talents such as Sediqullah Atal and Wafiullah Tarakhil.
Afghanistan’s Preliminary Squad for Asia Cup and Tri-Nation Series:
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Rashid Khan (c)
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Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
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Azmatullah Omarzai
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Fazal Haq Farooqi
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Farid Malik
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Sediqullah Atal
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Gulbadin Naib
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Naveen-ul-Haq
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Saleem Safi
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Wafiullah Tarakhil
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Mujeeb Ur Rahman
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AM Ghazanfar
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Abdullah Ahmadzai
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Ibrahim Zadran
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Noor Ahmad Lakanwal
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Bashir Ahmad
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Darwish Rasooli
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Mohammad Ishaq
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Mohammad Nabi
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Nangyal Kharoti
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Sharafuddin Ashraf
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Karim Janat
The final squad for both the Asia Cup and the tri-series will be confirmed after the training camp wraps up later this month. With a fine balance of experience and youth, Afghanistan will be aiming to deliver strong performances under Rashid Khan’s leadership.
Stay tuned for updates as the team finalizes its preparations for a competitive season ahead.
