Afghanistan have finally announced their squads for ODI series and one-off Test against India, which is set to be played from June 6. Meanwhile, southpaw Hashmatullah Shahidi has been appointed Afghanistan captain for the upcoming tour of India. The assignment, which is scheduled to run from June 6 to June 20, features a single one-off Test match followed by a three-match ODI series.
Afghanistan's ODI, Test squads for India series announced
The selectors have named a Test squad that blends seasoned campaigners with emerging talent. The core of the batting lineup will be anchored by Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Azmatullah Omarzai, with Afsar Zazai and Ikram Alikhil providing options behind the stumps. Meanwhile, the bowling attack will see Sharafudin Ashraf and Qais Ahmad lead the spin department, while Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi, and Saleem Safi are set to spearhead the pace assault.
Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi kept out of Test squad
For the white-ball leg of the tour, Afghanistan have welcomed back seasoned superstars Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan to reinforce the ODI setup. The ODI batting unit will be further bolstered by young opener Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, and Darwish Rasooli, ensuring a potent mix of youth and experience at the top of the order.
The bowling unit for the 50-over matches gains additional depth with the inclusion of Bilal Sami and young mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar. Ghazanfar's inclusion comes on the heels of a highly successful breakthrough season in the Indian Premier League, where he was rewarded for his exploits after snapping up 15 wickets in 11 games for the Mumbai Indians.
Afghanistan will officially kick off their bilateral tour of India with a one-off Test match, scheduled to take place from June 6 to 10 at the stadium in New Chandigarh. This red-ball encounter will serve as the opening act before the two teams transition into the white-ball leg of the series.
Afghanistan's squad for one-off Test against India:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafudin Ashraf, Nangyal Kharotai, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi, Saleem Safi.
Reserve Pool: Bashir Ahmad, Bahir Shah, Ismat Alam
Afghanistan's ODI squad for series against India:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil (WK), Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharotai, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Malik, Bilal Sami.
Reserve Pool: Qais Ahmad, Saleem Safi, Bashir Ahmad