Afghanistan Name Squad for India T20I Series

The selection committee has opted to assemble a full-strength squad, aiming to put up a formidable challenge against the hosts. The most encouraging news for the Afghan camp is the return of pace spearhead Naveen-ul-Haq. The right-arm fast bowler had been sidelined for several months due to a troublesome right-shoulder injury, a setback that forced him to miss the previous T20 World Cup. His long-awaited comeback significantly bolsters the team’s fast-bowling department, where he will be joined by fellow pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Abdullah Ahmadzai, alongside dynamic all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai.

Experience and depth remain the core strengths of the visiting side, complemented by the return of veteran all-rounder Gulbadin Naib. The squad features a formidable spin-bowling arsenal led by global superstar Rashid Khan, supported by seasoned campaigner Mohammad Nabi, mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, young talent Noor Ahmed, and emerging slow-bowling option Nangeyalia Kharote. Behind the stumps, explosive batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz retains his role as the primary wicketkeeper, with Noor Rahman named as the reserve choice to provide adequate squad coverage.

ACB Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan explained that squad selection was heavily centred on achieving optimal team balance. He highlighted that selectors carefully weighed batting and bowling options, ensured a healthy mix of pace and world-class spin, and successfully blended seasoned campaigners with promising youngsters to create a well-rounded unit for the challenging away assignment.