Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which is scheduled to start from February 19 and will take place in Pakistan and Dubai. Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead Afghanistan in their maiden Champions Trophy 2025.
Afghanistan confirmed their berth for the Champions Trophy following their impressive performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 and the last edition of T20 World Cup 2024 where they were the semifinalists.
Ibrahim Zadran who was on the road to recovery from ankle injury since last year is all set to make his international comeback in the mega event. He will be seen opening alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
The bowling unit is strengthened by the presence of star tweaker Rashid Khan alongside all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, and Fazalhaq Farooqi, who is the pace spearhead.
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Why Mujeeb Ur Rahman missed spot in the squad
Mujeeb Ur Rahman was not available for the selection as he is currently on the road to recovery.
"Mujeeb Ur Rahman was not available for the selection as he has been advised by his doctor to focus on T20s for a while to ensure his full recovery before returning to ODIs. That was also the reason he missed on the recently concluded ODI series against Zimbabwe” said ACB interim chief selector Ahmad Suliman
“Conditions in Pakistan are similar to those in Afghanistan and the UAE, where we usually play. We will conduct a preparation camp in multiple phases before embarking on our journey for the big event. The expectations are high, and I hope the team will prepare well and deliver some excellent performances, just as they did in the last two World Cups.” He added.
Afghanistan are part of Group B and they will face South Africa in their opener clash which is scheduled to take place at the National Stadium in Pakistan's Karachi.
Afghanistan Champions Trophy 2025 schedule
21 February - Afghanistan vs South Africa, Lahore
26 February - Afghanistan vs England, Lahore
28 February - Afghanistan vs Australia, Lahore
Afghanistan squad
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran.
Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami