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KABUL – Rashid Khan has been appointed as the captain of Afghanistan’s 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, scheduled from September 9 to 28 in the United Arab Emirates. The team is set to feature a formidable spin contingent, including seasoned bowlers Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad, alongside the promising 18-year-old mystery spinner, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar.
Ghazanfar, who has previously impressed with his off-break deliveries, has been included despite having no T20I experience, highlighting the team’s confidence in his abilities. His selection underscores Afghanistan’s strategic emphasis on spin bowling, particularly suited to the slower pitches of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The squad also boasts a robust pace attack featuring Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Farid Ahmad Malik. In the batting department, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal are expected to provide the initial thrust, with Ibrahim Zadran and Karim Janat anchoring the middle order.
Afghanistan is placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka, with their opening match against Hong Kong on September 9 in Abu Dhabi. Prior to the Asia Cup, the team will participate in a T20I Tri-Nation Series in Sharjah, facing Pakistan and the UAE, from August 29 to September 7.
