In a much-anticipated announcement, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has unveiled the squad that will represent the nation in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland.
A headline-making return sees star spinner Rashid Khan don the national colors once again, marking his re-entry into professional cricket since the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s talismanic spinner, took an extended hiatus due to a back injury sustained during the World Cup in India. His absence had left a void, expertly filled by the likes of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Qais Ahmad, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Allah Ghazanfar, and Nangyal Kharoti, who admirably handled spin duties in Rashid’s stead.
Despite accompanying the team for the bilateral series in India, Rashid was deemed unfit to play at the time. However, his return signals a reinvigorated Afghanistan side as they prepare to face Ireland in the T20Is.
Rashid Khan, known for his leadership prowess, will lead the side upon his return. His influence on and off the field is expected to bring stability and experience to the Afghan squad. Joining him in this comeback is another key player, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who has recovered from his own injury setback.
The Chief Selector of the ACB, Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, expressed his excitement about having both Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman back in the squad, terming their return as a “major boost” for Afghanistan cricket. This sentiment is shared by fans and cricket enthusiasts alike, as the duo’s formidable presence is expected to elevate Afghanistan’s performance in the T20I series.
The Afghanistan T20I squad features a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising talents, creating a balance that reflects the nation’s cricketing prowess. The likes of Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediq Atal, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Ishaq Rahimi (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Nangyal Kharotai, Azmat Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Wafadar Momand, Farid Malik, Naveen Ul Haq, and Fazal Haq Farooqi complete the squad.
Afghanistan is riding high on confidence after a resounding 2-0 ODI series victory over Ireland. The T20Is, scheduled to unfold in Sharjah from March 15, 2024, promise to be a riveting contest as Rashid Khan leads his team with renewed vigor, aiming to continue their winning streak and make a mark in the world of T20 cricket. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the exciting clashes that lie ahead in this much-anticipated series.
