The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be a thrilling tournament, but Afghanistan has encountered a setback. Their young right-arm finger spinner, AM Ghazanfar, has been ruled out due to injury. In his place, the selectors have named Nangeyalia Kharote, a left-arm spinner, to strengthen the squad.
- AM Ghazanfar is ruled out due to an L4 vertebra fracture.
- Nangeyalia Kharote replaces him in the Champions Trophy squad.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman remains unavailable for Afghanistan.
- Afghanistan’s spin attack remains strong, with Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi.
- The team aims to compete at the highest level in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
AM Ghazanfar’s Injury and Its Impact
Afghanistan’s 18-year-old rising star, AM Ghazanfar, has suffered a serious injury. He sustained a fracture in the L4 vertebra during Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe late last year.
- The injury has sidelined him for at least four months.
- He will miss both the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the IPL 2025.
- Ghazanfar had recently secured his maiden IPL contract with Mumbai Indians.
This injury is a significant blow for Afghanistan, as Ghazanfar had already taken 21 wickets in 11 ODIs. His absence leaves a gap in Afghanistan’s spin attack.
Nangeyalia Kharote: The New Addition
With Ghazanfar ruled out, Nangeyalia Kharote has been called up as his replacement. The 20-year-old left-arm spinner was originally named as a reserve.
- Kharote last played for Afghanistan in the ODI series against Bangladesh in Sharjah.
- He was instrumental in Afghanistan’s victory in the second ODI, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs.
- Since his international debut in March 2024, he has played 7 ODIs and 6 T20Is.
Kharote’s inclusion adds depth to Afghanistan’s already strong spin department, featuring Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi.
Afghanistan’s Strong Spin Attack
Afghanistan has developed a reputation for producing world-class spinners. Their squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 boasts an impressive lineup:
Key Spinners:
- Rashid Khan – The experienced leg-spinner and one of the world’s best.
- Noor Ahmad – A talented young left-arm wrist spinner.
- Mohammad Nabi – An all-rounder with vast international experience.
- Nangeyalia Kharote – The new addition, strengthening the spin attack.
The Absence of Mujeeb Ur Rahman
While Afghanistan has a solid bowling lineup, they are still without Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The mystery spinner played in the SA20 league but hasn’t represented Afghanistan since the 2023 World Cup.
- Mujeeb was not included in the Champions Trophy squad.
- The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed he will remain unavailable until fully recovered.
This raises concerns about Afghanistan’s bowling options against strong batting sides.
Afghanistan’s Full Squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Here is Afghanistan’s official squad:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Ibrahim Zadran, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah (vice-capt), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fareeh Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Nangeyalia Kharote, Naveed Zadran, Noor Ahmad
Afghanistan’s Prospects in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Afghanistan will be looking to make a strong impact in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With a balanced squad of powerful batsmen, all-rounders, and skilled spinners, they have the potential to be a formidable force.
Strengths:
- World-class spinners led by Rashid Khan.
- A mix of experienced and young players.
- Strong batting lineup with key players like Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim Zadran.
Challenges:
- Missing key players like Ghazanfar and Mujeeb.
- Fast bowling lacks the same dominance as spin.
- Need consistent performances to challenge top teams.
Afghanistan’s squad has a strong bowling attack and talented batsmen. However, injuries have affected their plans. If their key players perform well, they could surprise many teams in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Check out the Champions Trophy Schedule, Champions Trophy Live Score, Champions Trophy Squads , Champions Trophy Stats Champions Trophy Tour, Champions Trophy Venues & Champions Trophy Latest News here!
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
