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Rashid Khan to Lead as Afghanistan Names 22-Member Preliminary Squad for Asia Cup 2025
ACB Shows Full Confidence in Rashid Despite Recent Form Concerns
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a 22-member preliminary squad for the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28. The squad is captained by star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, whose recent performances in franchise cricket may have raised eyebrows, but the board is firmly backing their ace spinner to bounce back in the upcoming continental tournament.
Despite a modest outing in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) — where Rashid picked up just nine wickets at an economy of 9.34 and an average of 57.11 for Gujarat Titans — ACB officials remain optimistic. Rashid opted out of the Major League Cricket (MLC) season for MI New York, choosing instead to focus on preparing for national duties.
“We Trust Rashid To Deliver Again,” Says ACB Selector
Experience and Match-Winning Quality Cannot Be Ignored
Mir Mubariz, a member of ACB’s selection committee, reassured fans and critics alike, emphasizing Rashid’s importance to Afghanistan’s setup. “Rashid Khan is our superstar. Every player has ups and downs, but Rashid knows how to fight back. We are confident he’ll rise in big tournaments like the Asia Cup,” Mubariz told Cricbuzz.
Tri-Nation Series and Training Camp Set the Stage
Before entering the Asia Cup, the Afghanistan team will participate in a two-week preparatory camp, followed by a tri-nation T20I series that includes Pakistan and UAE. This series will serve as a testing ground to evaluate fringe players and finalize the squad for the Asia Cup.
🔗 Related Reading: Full schedule and fixtures for Asia Cup 2025 – click here
During the camp, the selection committee and coaching staff will closely assess several new inclusions and domestic performers. “We’ll observe all 22 players during the camp. The final squad will be based on fitness, form, and team balance unless injury forces changes,” Mubariz said.
Promising Fast Bowlers and Spinners Bolster Afghanistan’s Line-Up
Afghanistan has traditionally relied on its world-class spin attack, but the squad also includes an exciting group of young pacers. The returning Saleem Safi, along with Abdullah Ahmadzai and Bashir Ahmad, brings pace and fresh energy, with speeds consistently touching 140 km/h.
“We’ve added pacers who impressed in the A team and domestic tournaments,” Mubariz noted. “We believe they are the future of Afghan cricket.”
In the spin department, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Nangyal Kharoti join a strong core featuring Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar. Ashraf, in particular, was named Player of the Tournament in the 2025 Shpageeza Cricket League, a testament to his consistent domestic performances.
New Faces and Familiar Names in the Batting Line-Up
The squad also features Wafiullah Tarakhil, a top-order batter who shone in domestic competitions and was a key performer for the Afghanistan A team. Alongside him, established names like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, and Ibrahim Zadran are expected to battle for the two opening slots.
Who Will Open?
“The decision on our openers — Gurbaz, Atal, or Zadran — will be made by the captain and coach based on pitch conditions and opposition. But all three will feature prominently in the top order,” said Mubariz.
Asia Cup 2025: Group and Fixtures
Afghanistan is placed in Group B alongside Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. They will kick off their campaign against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi on September 9, followed by Bangladesh (Sept 16) and Sri Lanka (Sept 18). The Asia Cup also serves as a preparation ground for the T20 World Cup later in the year.
🔗 Visit the official Asian Cricket Council website for latest Asia Cup updates
Afghanistan’s Preliminary Squad for Asia Cup 2025:
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 Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveen ul Haq, Farid Malik, Saleem Safi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad.
