Afghanistan unveil squad for upcoming Asia Cup

Afghanistan have announced their Asia Cup squad mixed with seasoned campaigners and emerging players all set to be led by their star player Rashid Khan.

The team will take on Hong Kong, China in the opening game of the tournament, beginning from September 9.

Before their Asia Cup campaign begins, Afghanistan will a part of a T20I tri-series against the UAE and Pakistan from Aug 29.

Afghanistan squad: Rashid Khan (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

After an impressive show at the T20 World Cup in 2024, having beaten teams like New Zealand and Australia in the competition, before bowing out in the semi-finals, Afghanistan start preparations for the T20 World Cup next year, keen to leave a mark again in the shortest format.

Interestingly the tri-series tournament will be Afghanistan's first T20I series this year, having played their last T20I game in December 2024 against the Chevrons.

Rashid, who made it to the ICC T20I Men's team of the year in 2024, will continue to captain the side filled with the experience of Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat and Gulbadin Naib combined with the firepower of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran in the top of the order.

The squad also includes the likes of Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai who have shown good form in the domestic T20 competitions. The squad also sees the comeback of Naveen ul Haq after having retired from the 50-over format, while youngster Allah Ghazanfar returns after an injury.

While Naveen will bolster the pace attack alongwith Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ghazanfar will strengthen the already strong spin attack of the team consisting of Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nabi and skipper Rashid himself.

The bowling attack offers variety while Afghanistan batting has the experience combined with the all-round strength making it a balanced and formidable side in the competition.

Afghanistan will play all their group matches in Abu Dhabi.

Asia Cup schedule

Afghanistan's group fixtures in the Asia Cup:

9 September – Afghanistan v Hong Kong, China, Abu Dhabi
16 September – Bangladesh v Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi
18 September – Sri Lanka v Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi

Super Fours

20-26 September in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Final

28 September in Dubai