ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan has unveiled its 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marking their maiden appearance in this prestigious tournament. Led by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, the team brings together a mix of experienced players and rising stars. Notably, opening batsman Ibrahim Zadran returns to bolster the lineup, but the absence of key spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has raised eyebrows.
Mirwais Ashraf, Chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), expressed confidence in the squad’s potential, highlighting their remarkable performances in recent global tournaments. “Afghan Atalan have performed exceptionally well in the past two ICC events, the CWC23 and the ICC World T20 2024. Their impressive performances in these two events, coupled with their ODI series victories last year, will undoubtedly boost their morale and help them deliver an even better campaign this time,” Ashraf stated.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s omission stems from medical advice prioritizing his recovery. “Mujeeb Ur Rahman was not available for selection as he has been advised by his doctor to focus on T20s for a while to ensure his full recovery before returning to ODIs,” said Ahmad Suliman Khil, ACB’s Interim Chief Selector. The star spinner had also missed the recent ODI series against Zimbabwe.
The full squad comprises:
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
- Rahmat Shah (VC)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
- Ikram Alikhil (WK)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rashid Khan
- AM Ghazanfar
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazal Haq Farooqi
- Naveed Zadran
- Farid Ahmad Malik
Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami
Afghanistan’s Group Stage Fixtures:
21 February – Afghanistan vs South Africa, Karachi
26 February – Afghanistan vs England, Lahore
28 February – Afghanistan vs Australia, Lahore
This historic participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marks a significant step forward for Afghan cricket, reflecting their growing prominence on the international stage.
