Afghanistan Announced ODI Squad for Sri Lanka Series, with Rashid Khan Sidelined

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has unveiled the lineup for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, appointing Hashmatullah Shahidi as the captain and Rahmat Shah as the vice-captain. Additionally, four reserve players—Sharafuddin Ashraf, Shahidullah Kamal, Abdul Rahman Rahmani, and Bilal Sami—have been named. The series kicks off on February 7, 2024.

Regrettably, spinner Rashid Khan is excluded from the team due to an ongoing recovery process from a back injury. The squad features Naveed Zadran, who debuted in the Test format and has earned a spot in the ODI team. Mohammad Saleem, facing a hamstring injury sustained during the second day of the solitary Test against Sri Lanka, will miss the series.

CEO of Afghanistan Cricket Board, Naseeb Khan, emphasized the board’s intention to schedule more bilateral series to keep the team busy. Naseeb expressed that this marks the third trip for the Afghani team in the last 16 months and is confident in the selectors’ choice of a promising squad, anticipating an exciting series for the fans.

He expressed, “Our continuous efforts have been focused on arranging additional bilateral cricket matches to maintain a packed schedule for our national teams. This visit to Sri Lanka is our third within the last 16 months, indicating a positive trajectory. The selectors have chosen a formidable lineup, and we look forward with anticipation to a thrilling series ahead.”

The Afghanistan national cricket team has swiftly gained prominence in international cricket within a short span. As one of the fastest-growing cricketing nations globally, the Afghan team continues to make a mark with its recent impressive performances. Originating from challenging circumstances, the Afghan cricket team has evolved into a formidable contender, recognized today as a favorite capable of giving tough competition to leading teams.

In the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023, Afghanistan had a noteworthy campaign. Winning four out of nine matches, including victories against prominent teams like Pakistan and England, showcased their prowess. Afghanistan came close to defeating Australia and securing a spot in the tournament’s semi-finals. As the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, the Afghani team is anticipated to be a frontrunner for qualification into the knockout stages.

In the three-match T20I series against India earlier this month, Afghanistan delivered commendable performances, nearly clinching victory in the third game in Bengaluru. Key players, such as Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and others who actively participate in various T20 competitions worldwide, contribute significantly to the team’s competitiveness.

ODI Squad for Afghanistan in Sri Lanka Series

Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Rahmat Shah (Vice-Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper), Ikram Alikhil (Wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran, and Farid Ahmad Malik.

Reserve Players: Sharafuddin Ashraf, Shahidullah Kamal, Abdul Rahman Rahmani, and Bilal Sami

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