Afghanistan announces star-studded squads for the white-ball series against Bangladesh

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Afghanistan have announced their squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Bangladesh with significant changes following their disappointing Asia Cup 2025 campaign. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has dropped several experienced players including left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi and veteran all-rounders Gulbadin Naib and Karim Janat as the team seeks redemption after a group-stage exit from the continental tournament.

The six-match series will commence with three T20Is in Sharjah from October 2-5 before moving to Abu Dhabi for three ODIs between October 8-14. This marks an important opportunity for Afghanistan to rebuild momentum ahead of major tournaments.

The selection committee has placed significant emphasis on youth development by introducing fresh talent. Bashir Ahmad, a 20-year-old uncapped left-arm seamer, has earned selection in both formats as a direct replacement for Farooqi. Despite having no international experience, Bashir has shown promise in domestic cricket with 12 wickets in 14 T20 matches.

Another exciting addition is 18-year-old top-order batter Wafiullah Tarakhil, who has been included in the T20I squad following an impressive Shpageeza Cricket League campaign where he emerged as the third-highest run-scorer with 298 runs at a strike rate of 155.20. Mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar retains his place in the ODI squad but has been relegated to reserves for T20Is.

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Rashid Khan will continue as T20I captain with Ibrahim Zadran as his deputy, while Hashmatullah Shahidi remains ODI captain. Afghanistan’s spin attack remains formidable despite the changes, featuring Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi in T20Is.

The series carries added significance as Afghanistan seeks to bounce back from their humiliating Asia Cup exit where they finished at the group stage despite entering as the tournament’s second-best team after India. Their narrow eight-run defeat to Bangladesh in the Asia Cup adds extra motivation.

ACB CEO Naseeb Khan acknowledged the team’s disappointing performance while expressing optimism. “The performances in the Asia Cup 2025 were not as expected, but ups and downs are part of the game. We remain hopeful that AfghanAtalan will bounce back strongly,” Khan stated.

This series represents more than bilateral cricket as Afghanistan aims to regain confidence and establish new combinations with talented youngsters stepping into prominent roles.

Afghanistan’s T20I Squad:

Rashid Khan (c), Ibrahim Zadran (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohamamd Ishaq (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Bashir Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad Malik and Abdullah Ahmadzai.

Reserves: AM Ghazanfar and Rahmat Shah

Afghanistan’s ODI Squad:

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad and Mohammad Saleem Safi.

Reserves: Bilal Sami and Faridoon Dawoodzai

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