Teenage spinner returns to Afghanistan's ODI squad for Pakistan series
Noor Ahmad made a return to Afghanistan's ODI squad as they fine-tune the final combination ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in India later this year.
Noor's return means that there was no room for left-arm spinner Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, who recently made his ODI debut against Bangladesh. Uncapped leg-spinner Izharulhaq Naveed, who was part of the Test squad, has been left out.
Fast bowlers Mohammad Saleem Safi and Wafadar Momand, who were part of the recent ODI tour to Bangladesh, have successfully retained their spots.
"Our whole concentration is to prepare the team for the upcoming two big events of Asia Cup and the World Cup 2023," ACB Chief Selector Asadullah Khan said.
"This three-match ODI series against Pakistan provides us with a wonderful opportunity to prepare the team for the forthcoming two events."
"The preparations for the Pakistan series are progressing well. The players have recently performed well in the Kabul Camp, which has been supervised by ACB's HPC staff. The team will also undergo a week-long conditioning camp prior to the Pakistan series.”
The series is set to be played in Sri Lanka across two venues in Hambantota and Colombo.
"We are extremely happy that ACB decided to select Sri Lanka as its venue to host this series, which shows the confidence and trust Sri Lanka Cricket has gained in the cricketing world as
a dependable host, and we assure both teams that we will provide a secure environment to conduct this tournament", Ashley De Silva, the CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, said.
Afghanistan ODI squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi and Wafadar Momand.
Reserves: Farid Ahmad Malik and Shahidullah Kamal.
Schedule for Pakistan's ODI series against Afghanistan:
22 Aug – First ODI, Hambantota
24 Aug – Second ODI, Hambantota
26 Aug – Third ODI, Colombo