Afghanistan have officially unveiled their 15-member team for the highly anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The tournament is scheduled to take place across venues in the West Indies and the USA in June this year.
The squad will be captained by the dynamic leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who continues to lead the side with his exceptional skills and strategic acumen.
The selection reveals some notable changes and fresh faces as compared to the team’s composition during the 2022 edition of the tournament. Key inclusions this year are all-rounder Karim Janat, young spinner Noor Ahmad, and the promising wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Ishaq, highlighting Afghanistan’s strategy of blending experienced players with youthful energy.
One of the surprising exclusions from the squad is Hashmatullah Shahidi, who captained Afghanistan in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Shahidi, whose last appearance in a T20 international was back in 2022, has been left out, indicating a possible strategic pivot towards nurturing new talent for the shorter format.
Among the youthful talents, Nangyal Kharoti is a name that stands out. The 20-year-old made his international debut against Ireland in March this year and has quickly made his mark. Kharoti claimed five wickets in three matches with an impressive economy rate of just 5.90, showcasing his potential as a future star in Afghanistan’s bowling line-up.
Mohammad Ishaq, another young player, who has been a part of Afghanistan’s squad in the 2020 and 2022 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cups, has also secured his place. His role as a wicketkeeper-batter will be crucial, providing depth and flexibility to the batting order.
The experienced core of the team remains strong with the likes of Mohammad Nabi, who will play a pivotal role in both the batting and bowling departments. Rashid Khan, alongside Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, and Nangyal Kharoti, will lead a potent spin attack that could be particularly effective in the Caribbean and American pitches.
The pace attack will be spearheaded by Naveen-ul-Haq, alongside Fareed Ahmad and Fazalhaq Farooqi, who have all retained their spots from previous tournaments, ensuring stability and aggression in the fast-bowling department.
Afghanistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2024:
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
• Ibrahim Zadran
• Azmatullah Omarzai
• Najibullah Zadran
• Mohammad Ishaq
• Mohammad Nabi
• Gulbadin Naib
• Karim Janat
• Rashid Khan (c)
• Nangyal Kharoti
• Mujeeb Ur Rahman
• Noor Ahmad
• Naveen-ul-Haq
• Fazalhaq Farooqi
• Fareed Ahmad Malik
Reserves:
• Sediq Atal
• Hazratullah Zazai
• Saleem Safi
With this blend of seasoned cricketers and emerging talents, Afghanistan aims to make a significant impact at the T20 World Cup 2024. The team is geared up to showcase their growth and ambition on the global stage, hoping to exceed their previous performances and achieve greater successes in the tournament.
