Afghanistan announce squad for T20 World Cup, Rashid Khan named skipper

Afghanistan. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Tuesday (April 30) announced the squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 to be held in the USA and West Indies in June. Star spinner Rashid Khan will lead the 15-member squad, which has an equal presence of youngsters and veteran players.

Notably, Hashmatullah Shahidi, who led Afghanistan in the previous edition of the tournament, has failed to find a spot this time around. His last T20I appearance was in 2022 against Ireland. Meanwhile, youngster Nangyal Kharoti, who made his international debut for Afghanistan in March this year, has been picked for the squad.

He shone against Ireland with five wickets in three matches at an economy of just 5.90. Wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Ishaq, who was part of Afghanistan’s squad in the 2020 and 2022 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cups, also managed to find a place in the 15-member squad.

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Captain Rashid Khan will lead the spin attack that includes Mujeeb ur Rehman, Noor Ahmed, Kharoti and veteran Mohammad Nabi. Meanwhile, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fareed Ahmad and Fazalhaq Farooq will be in Afghanistan’s fast bowling line-up. 

The batting unit of the Asian side will mainly depend on Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najeeb Zadran and Ibrahim Zadran. The trio will get ample support from all-rounders including Azmatullah Omarzai and Muhammad Nabi.

Afghanistan’s Squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup 

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