The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has unveiled its 22-member preliminary squad for the upcoming Asia Cup T20I tournament in the UAE, scheduled from September 9 to 28. Captain Rashid Khan headlines the roster, with ACB officials brushing aside concerns over his recent dip in form ahead of the big event.
ACB Backs Rashid Khan Confidently
Despite a quieter-than-usual IPL season—where Rashid khan claimed only nine wickets at an economy of 9.34 and average of 57.11—the board is not worried. He also opted out of the recent Major League Cricket in the US.
Mir Mubariz, member of the ACB selection committee, emphasized in an interview with Cricbuzz:
“Rashid Khan is a superstar—form comes and goes, but he knows how to bounce back for major events. He’s highly experienced and will deliver for the nation.”
Squad Structure & Selection Strategy
The 22-man squad includes a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers:
- Core spin trio: Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Zadran, Mohammad Nabi
- Emerging bowlers: Sharafuddin Ashraf, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar
- New faces: Sharafuddin (Shpageeza MVP), Wafiullah Tarakhil, and emerging pacers Abdullah Ahmadzai and Bashir Ahmad
ACB will conduct a two-week preparatory training camp before participating in a tri-nation series with UAE and Pakistan, followed by full Asia Cup action.
“We will evaluate players in practice matches and training sessions. Final World Cup squad will likely be drawn from these 22 players—barring injury or exceptional circumstances,” Mubariz added.
Bowling Recharge: Pacers and Spin Options
Afghanistan’s spin bowling remains a global benchmark. The squad includes:
- Rashid Khan
- Mujeeb Zadran
- Mohammad Nabi
- Sharafuddin Ashraf
- Nangyal Kharoti
- Ghazanfar
The inclusion of Sharafuddin Ashraf, the 2025 Shpageeza MVP, reflects confidence in homegrown performers.
The fast-bowling line-up includes consistent names and fresh talent:
- Abdullah Ahmadzai (first camp call-up)
- Bashir Ahmad (returning after prior injury)
- Salim Safi
All three bowlers have displayed pace and accuracy domestically, adding depth to Afghanistan’s pace attack.
Batting Depth: Strengthening the Top Order
Three players will compete for the two opening slots:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper)
- Sediqullah Atal
- Ibrahim Zadran
“Coach and captain will decide the opening pair match by match,” Mubariz said.
Other batting additions include:
- Wafiullah Tarakhil
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Darwish Rasooli
- Mohammad Ishaq
Fans can expect intense competition as these young batsmen look to break into the playing XI.
Asia Cup Group Map: Afghanistan in Group B
Afghanistan’s group-stage opponents:
- Hong Kong – Asia Cup opener, Sept 9 | Abu Dhabi
- Bangladesh – Sept 16
- Sri Lanka – Sept 18
This tight grouping ensures high-stakes contests, with only the top teams progressing to the Super Four stage.
Tri-Nation Preparation Series: UAE, Pakistan & Warm-Up Matches
ACB has scheduled a tri-nation T20I series involving UAE and Pakistan before the Asia Cup begins. This provides match practice and tempo-building opportunities.
Fresh faces and local talents will get game time—helping national coaches assess their readiness under tournament pressure.
Key Stats and Player Backdrops
| Player | Role | Notable Facts/Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Rashid Khan (C) | Leg-spinner | Asia’s spin rock; recovering after IPL dip |
| Mujeeb Zadran | Off-spinner | Economical wicket-taker globally |
| Mohammad Nabi | All-rounder | Veteran presence with consistent form |
| Sharafuddin Ashraf | Off-spinner | Shpageeza League MVP 2025 |
| Nangyal Kharoti | Spinner | Domestic consistency catching selectors’ eye |
| Wafiullah Tarakhil | Batsman | High-scoring A-team opener |
| Abdullah Ahmadzai | Fast Bowler | Raw pace and accuracy emerging in domestic cricket |
| Bashir Ahmad | Fast Bowler | Returning from injury; solid previous track record |
Tactical Outlook: Strategy & Strengths
1. World-Class Spin Unit
A spin quintet with Rashid Khan , Mujeeb, Nabi, Ashraf, and Ghazanfar gives Afghanistan unmatched control in middle overs.
2. Emerging Fast-Bowling Bench
Adding pace-based bowlers like Ahmadzai, Bashir, and Safi brings flexibility and variation, especially useful on UAE surfaces.
3. Dynamic Batting Options
A blend of power-hitters and anchor batsmen ensures adaptability in different match contexts. Depth supports limited-overs anchor batting too.
Challenges to Navigate
The announcement of Afghanistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad has sparked excitement and debate among cricket fans. With a perfect mix of experienced stars like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, alongside rising talents such as Wafiullah Tarakhil and Bashir Ahmad, the team looks both promising and competitive. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) appears confident in its strategy, despite questions over Rashid Khan recent form. As the countdown to the Asia Cup begins, all eyes will be on how this dynamic squad performs in the UAE heat and pressure-packed games against Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Leadership & Captaincy
With Rashid Khan leading, ACB must ensure clarity around roles for movers like Gurbaz or Atal in opening positions.
Pressure Builds in Group Stage
Facing Sri Lanka and Bangladesh back-to-back will test Afghanistan’s ability to rise in must-win games.
Injury Risks
Bashir Ahmad and Salim Safi, recovering from prior issues, must prove fitness to lock roles in the squad.
What Lies Ahead?
Afghanistan begins its Asia Cup journey with a strong, balanced squad. The blend of experienced game-changers and emerging newcomers brings fresh energy without compromising reliability.
While Rashid’s form remains under watch, ACB’s trust in his comeback ability sends a strong message. Adaptability, spin dominance, and youth infusion may well define their campaign in the UAE.
As cricket heads into Asia Cup 2025, all eyes will be on how this squad gels and whether Afghanistan can advance to the Super Four stage—while also building momentum toward the T20 World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who captains Afghanistan’s Asia Cup squad?
Rashid Khan is named captain and leads the preliminary 22-member group. - Is Rashid’s recent form a concern for ACB?
No, selectors consider him a match-winner and anticipate a strong return. - How does Afghanistan’s spin attack look?
Very strong—with Rashid khan, Mujeeb, Nabi, plus newcomers Sharafuddin and Ghazanfar. - Which pacers have been selected?
Abdullah Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad, and Salim Safi offer fast-bowling depth. - When does the Asia Cup begin for Afghanistan?
Their first match is on September 9 against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi. - Who are other top order candidates?
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, and Wafiullah Tarakhil. - Will the squad change post Asia Cup?
Possible—minor tweaks may occur due to injury or form before final World Cup selection. - How to qualify from Group B?
Afghanistan must finish as one of the top two in Group B (with Sri Lanka/Bangladesh) to reach the Super Four. - What is the tri-nation series?
A warm-up T20I series involving Afghanistan, UAE, and Pakistan ahead of the Asia Cup. - What makes this squad special?
The rare blend of world-class spin, emerging pace, and youth bolstering core veterans.