Afghanistan Announces Preliminary Squad for Asia Cup

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a 22-member preliminary squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, led by star leg spinner Rashid Khan. The team will be competing in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28.

Rashid Khan's Form Not a Concern

ACB official Mir Mubariz stated that they are not worried about Rashid Khan's form, as he has a history of making a comeback in major events. Rashid had an ordinary season in the Indian Premier League, picking nine wickets at an economy rate of 9.34 and average of 57.11 for Gujarat Titans.

Preparation Camp and Tri-Nation Series

The board will host a two-week preparation camp before competing in the tri-nation T20I series, which includes UAE and Pakistan. Following the series, Afghanistan will focus on the Asia Cup, where they have been drawn in Group B alongside Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Pace Battery and Spin Unit

The team has a great bunch of pacers, including Abdullah Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad, and Salim Safi, who can bowl around 140. Afghanistan also has the best spin unit, with the likes of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb, Mohammad Nabi, and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar.

New Additions to the Squad

The team has added several new players, including top-order batter Wafiullah Tarakhil, pacers Abdullah Ahmadzai and Bashir Ahmad, and spinners Nangyal Kharoti and Sharafuddin Ashraf.

Opening Pair Decision

The captain and coach will have to decide regarding the opening pair, with three candidates – Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, and Ibrahim Zadran – vying for the two spots.

Asia Cup Schedule

Afghanistan will start their Asia Cup campaign on September 9 against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi, followed by games against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on September 16 and 18, respectively.

Preliminary Squad

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
• Sediqullah Atal
• Wafiullah Tarakhil
• Ibrahim Zadran
• Darwish Rasooli
• Mohammad Ishaq
• Rashid Khan (C)
• Mohammad Nabi
• Nangyal Kharoti
• Sharafuddin Ashraf
• Karim Janat
• Azmatullah Omarzai
• Gulbadin Naib
• Mujeeb Zadran
• AM Ghazanfar
• Noor Ahmad
• Fazal Haq Farooqi
• Naveen ul Haq
• Farid Malik
• Saleem Safi
• Abdullah Ahmadzai
• Bashir Ahmad