Afghanistan’s Squad Gears Up for the ICC Champions Trophy
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced the 15-man squad for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament will take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, across Pakistan and the UAE. The team, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, is ready to showcase its talent on the international stage.
- Ibrahim Zadran makes a comeback after recovering from an injury.
- Mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar replaces Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
- Sediqullah Atal earns his spot after a stellar performance against Zimbabwe.
Afghanistan’s ICC Champions Trophy Squad
Main Squad:
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain)
- Rahmat Shah (Vice-Captain)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
- Ikram Alikhil (WK)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rashid Khan
- AM Ghazanfar
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazal Haq Farooqi
- Naveed Zadran
- Farid Ahmad Malik
Reserves:
- Darwish Rasooli
- Nangyal Kharoti
- Bilal Sami
Squad Highlights: A Blend of Talent and Experience
The squad includes several seasoned players and promising young talents. Ibrahim Zadran, who was sidelined with an ankle injury, returns to strengthen the batting lineup. The team also sees the addition of AM Ghazanfar, a mystery spinner, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman focuses on his recovery for T20 cricket.
The inclusion of Sediqullah Atal is another notable decision. Atal, the Player of the Series in a recent ODI series against Zimbabwe, proved his worth by scoring 156 runs, including a century and a half-century.
Leadership and Support: A Winning Combination
ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf expressed optimism about the team’s prospects, highlighting their strong performance in recent tournaments like the ICC World Cup 2023 and the ICC World T20 2024. He stated, “AfghanAtalan have shown exceptional form. Their recent success will boost morale for this campaign.”
To bolster the team’s confidence, Younis Khan, the former Pakistan captain, has been appointed as the team’s mentor. Mirwais Ashraf remarked, “Younis Khan’s international experience will be invaluable for the squad’s preparation and mindset.”
Selection Strategy: Balancing Recovery and Readiness
Interim Chief Selector Ahmad Suliman Khil clarified the decision to rest Mujeeb Ur Rahman. “Mujeeb’s doctor advised him to focus on T20s for full recovery before returning to ODIs,” Khil explained. He also emphasized the team’s readiness, noting that the conditions in Pakistan and the UAE are similar to Afghanistan, giving the players an edge.
Tournament Schedule: Key Matches to Watch
Afghanistan faces a challenging group stage with matches against some of the best teams in the world.
Fixture Highlights:
- February 21: Afghanistan vs. South Africa in Karachi
- February 26: Afghanistan vs. England in Lahore
- February 28: Afghanistan vs. Australia in Lahore
The semifinals will be held on March 4 and 5 in Dubai and Lahore, while the grand finale will take place on March 9 in either Lahore or Dubai.
Preparations for Success
The ACB plans to conduct a multi-phase preparation camp ahead of the tournament. Ahmad Suliman Khil expressed confidence in the squad, stating, “Expectations are high. The team’s strong performances in recent World Cups have set a high standard.”
Key Players to Watch
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain): A dependable leader and skilled batsman.
- Rashid Khan: One of the most feared bowlers in world cricket.
- Sediqullah Atal: The rising star with recent success in ODIs.
The Afghanistan cricket team is poised to make a significant impact at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With a balanced squad, strong leadership, and expert mentorship, the team is ready to face the challenges ahead. Fans worldwide will eagerly watch their journey in this prestigious tournament.
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