KABUL: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Sunday, announced its squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, with right-arm spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman a notable absentee.
Mujeeb, who was an integral part of Afghanistan’s squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, was rested for the eight-team tournament as he continues to recover from an injury.
“Mujeeb Ur Rahman was not available for the 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. That was also the reason he missed on the recently concluded ODI series against Zimbabwe,” ACB interim chief selector Ahmad Suliman Khil stated.
Meanwhile, right-handed opener Ibrahim Zadran made his way back to the side after recovering from an ankle injury, sustained last year.
Zadran will accompany Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top of the batting order, with Rahmat Shah skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi to follow.
Their bowling attack is comprised of star spinner Rashid Khan, veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi and pace spearhead Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Afghanistan, who will be making their maiden appearance at the eight-team tournament, will start their campaign against South Africa in Karachi on February 21 before taking on England and Australia in Lahore on February 26 and 28, respectively.
Afghanistan squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran.
Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami