Afghanistan Unveils Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran returns, Younis Khan appointed as mentor

Mon Jan 13 2025
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ISLAMABAD: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Sunday unveiled their 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and the UAE.

Top-order batsman Ibrahim Zadran, back from an ankle injury, rejoins the national team, while mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar steps in for Mujeebur Rahman, who chose to focus on T20 cricket for his recovery.

The lineup also features Sediqullah Atal, who shone as the player of the series in a recent ODI clash against Zimbabwe, where he scored a total of 156 runs, including a century and a half-century.

ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf praised the team’s recent performances in international tournaments, expressing optimism about their chances. “The AfghanAtalan have excelled in the last two ICC events, the CWC23 and the ICC World T20 2024,” Ashraf remarked. “This success will surely uplift their spirits and enhance their campaign this time around.”

Ashraf also announced the addition of former Pakistan captain Younis Khan as the team’s mentor. “Based on the success of mentorship in our last two outings, we’re excited to leverage Younis Khan’s vast international experience,” he noted.

Interim Chief Selector Ahmad Suliman Khil clarified Mujeebur Rahman’s absence from the squad. “Mujeeb wasn’t available for selection as his doctor advised him to concentrate on T20s to ensure a full recovery before he returns to ODIs. This was also why he missed the recent series against Zimbabwe,” Khil explained.

Khil emphasized the team’s readiness for the Champions Trophy, highlighting their familiarity with conditions in Pakistan and the UAE. “We will hold a multi-phase preparation camp before the tournament. The expectations are high, and I trust the team will perform strongly, just as they did in the last two World Cups,” he stated.

Afghanistan’s Squad for Champions Trophy

Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Rahmat Shah (Vice-Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran, Fareed Ahmad Malik.

Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami.

Key fixtures

February 21: Afghanistan vs South Africa in Karachi

February 26: Afghanistan vs England in Lahore

February 28: Afghanistan vs Australia in Lahore

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