Afghanistan's rise in cricket is no mere an inspirational story. The country which always evolved around wars and internal conflicts has found his unity in cricket. In early 90 most of the Afghan cricketers started their journey from Pakistan where they were necessary training and other valuable insights. The growth was slow but impactful. After the charge of Taliban though they were allowed to play cricket. 

In 2001 Afghanistan became an affiliate member of the ICC and was competing with Scotland, and Zimbabwe which persuaded them to absorb the international aspects of cricket. Soon BCCI too helped with necessary aspects by providing training grounds and playing series with them to encourage their strength. 

Read More: The Roar Of Most Balanced Side VS Most Consistent Side In Champions Trophy

Arrival In Big Arena

 Afghanistan gained their ODI status in 2015 when they took part in the World Cup too and it was their first exposure to the grand stage. Though they exited in the group stage they achieved the feat that all other associate nations strive for, Mohammad Nabi is a great example who has seen the growth of the team struggling from hard to the grand stage of the World Cup through words it might be looking easy but the action requires patience which paid them off well. 

 The younger generation too carried the legacy more often Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, and Sahidi, they all contributed to the betterment of the team. In 2017 Afghanistan became a full member of the ICC gaining its test status too. As the flow of cricket flooded Afghanistan team tended to play more bilateral series too. The 2019 and 2023 World Cups were huge advantages to them as they didn't participate but even defeated big teams like England and Pakistan.

Champions Trophy Mere Twist

Even in this Champions Trophy edition they have exempted their skills. They played their first match against South Africa they gave the good display of game but South Africa were way ahead of them. Their second match against England was a comeback which kept their hopes alive in the tournament where they beat England second time in the 50 over format. Afghanistan won the thrilling encounter by 8 runs. 

Read More: Once Again Afghanistan And Australia Face Other In Quater Final

 As the South Africa and Australia match was cancelled due to rain it became a virtual quarter-final between Afghanistan and Australia as South Africa made it into the semis with a better run rate. Yesterday's match between Afghanistan and Australia was too detained by rain with no result. By this Australia moved to semis by a better run rate. Afghanistan has the thinnest chance which is quite impossible where England has to beat South Africa by 207 margin or finish the match within 11 overs whatever the target set by South Africa and we all know it's not impossible. The confidence of Afghanistan players would have been pretty high and the future of their cricket seems to be bright like a shining star. 

Afghanistan Cricket to World:

Afghanistan's incredible surge on the global cricket scene remains an enthralling spectacle. Ever since its ICC tournament debut in 2010, the nation has grown from being an affiliate member to becoming a force to be reckoned with, securing full membership and making it to the knockout stages of big ICC events. They started their journey in ODI cricket with an exciting one-wicket victory against Scotland in the 2015 World Cup. Yet, their memorable performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup formally proclaimed their arrival on the global stage. Afghanistan beat three erstwhile world champions England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to achieve a sixth-place finish and gain entry into the ICC Champions Trophy. These wins had catapulted them to a sixth-place position in the rankings, earning them their maiden qualification for the ICC Champions Trophy.

2023 ODI World Cup: The Breakthrough Tournament
In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Afghanistan stunned England with a 69-run win in Delhi, overwhelmed Pakistan by an eight-wicket margin in Chennai, and comprehensively defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets in Pune. They almost made Australia their victim as well, but Glenn Maxwell's record-breaking double-century single-handedly saved the eventual champions.
Even after that heartbreak, Afghanistan's performances showed they were no longer an underdog team causing the occasional upset but a force to be reckoned with against the best.

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2024 T20 World Cup: Another Step Forward
In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan impressed again, thrashing New Zealand by 84 runs and shocking Australia with a 21-run victory.
They thrashed New Zealand by 84 runs in the group stage in Guyana and then shocked Australia with a 21-run victory in Kingstown in the Super Eight stage. Their dream journey ended in the semi-finals when South Africa routed them comprehensively. But in a twist of drama, the Proteas collapsed at the last hurdle once again, throwing away a golden chance to claim their first World Cup by losing to India in the final. Even though their dream run was cut short in the semi-finals, their performances were enough to show that they were no longer an underdog team.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: A Historic Victory
Afghanistan took the momentum to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, beating England in a thrilling match. Ibrahim Zadran's stunning 177 and Azmatullah Omarzai's match-winning effort of 5/58 completed the task as Afghanistan put up a strong 325/7 and held England to 317.

Afghanistan: A Force to Be Reckoned With
At each ICC event, Afghanistan revises its cricket narrative, well solidifying the role of being a genuine world-wide threat. Afghanistan is no longer merely that squad famous for doing the upsets; it kills off a couple of world-renowned top-line players repeatedly.

The Afghanistan team that will take part in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 event is studded with players of various experiences. The senior all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, 40 years old, is the oldest player, and conversely, the 20-year-old fast bowler Naveed Zadran is the youngest Afghan cricketer in the prestigious event. The senior all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, aged 40, is the oldest player in the competition, and, in contrast, 20-year-old quick bowler Naveed Zadran is the youngest Afghan cricketer of the event.

Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi and Naveed Zadran are the oldest and youngest players set to feature in the Champions Trophy 2025.#CT2025 pic.twitter.com/hnZHhBlLVC

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 19, 2025

 Mohammad Nabi: The Veteran Leader
Mohammad Nabi has been the backbone of Afghanistan cricket for a very long time. The all-rounder, a real pro, made his debut in 2009 and, hence, became a key player in Afghanistan's world of international cricket. Among his off-spin technique and lower-order hitting, Nabi’s experience will be a key advantage in games with high stakes. As a leader, he will lead from the front and act as the steadying force to the team as they oppose the heavyweights of the cricket world.

ALSO SEE: Expert Predictions for Champions Trophy 2025: Runs & Wickets Leaders

Naveed Zadran: The Young Sensation
Naveed Zadran, a young fast bowler from Afghanistan, is preparing to kick the ground hard in the tournament. A very young Zadran, only 20 years old, has taken the fastest track so far with the biggest distractions in international cricket, and he also did not miss his spot in the actual squad that was announced after the domestic competition. Not only can he make the ball rise and move, but he can also be a significant factor for Afghanistan, more notably in fast and seaming pitches.

Afghanistan Squad for Champions Trophy:

Nabi's son, Eisakhil, played for Afghanistan in the U19 World Cup 2024 and has already scored 426 runs in 16 T20I matches. Nabi is sure that his son will soon find a place in the senior national team.

Mohammad Nabi dream :

"It's my dream. Hopefully, we can do it. He is doing very well. He is a hard worker, and I am also pushing him to put in the effort," Nabi said prior to the Champions Trophy.
"I want him to decide his own objectives. If you wish to become a top-level cricketer, you must strive. Scoring 50 or 60 won't do-if you must get 100-plus. He's listening and challenging himself every time. Whenever I have conversations with him, I attempt to guide him and boost his confidence," he said.

Mohammad Nabi dreams of playing alongside his son in international cricket for Afghanistan. ♥️🥹#Cricket #Nabi #Afghanistan #ICC pic.twitter.com/NqfYbrZZCx

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 18, 2025

Nabi arrives at the Champions Trophy on the back of a good season in the Bangladesh Premier League, where he assisted Fortune Barishal to win the title in February. He claimed 8 wickets from 11 games and also chipped in with the bat whenever his side required him.

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As a performer under pressure, Nabi will be imperative in Afghanistan's middle order and an integral cog in their spin-bowling ranks, spearheaded by Rashid Khan.
"These may not be my last ODIs. I will likely play fewer ODIs and provide opportunities for youngsters to get experience," Nabi said.
"I've spoken to the senior players. For top-level games, perhaps I will play, perhaps I won't-we'll see. It will be based on my fitness."
If Nabi minimizes his appearance for the senior national team, he will likely appear more in overseas T20 leagues. For IPL 2024, Siddharth played for Mumbai Indians but remained unsold in the IPL mega auction for next season from March 22.

Afghanistan Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: A Detailed Look

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has unveiled its 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. The squad represents a perfect mix of experienced campaigners and young talents ready to shine on the global stage.

Let’s delve into the profiles of the selected players and analyze their roles in Afghanistan’s pursuit of Champions Trophy glory.

The Squad Breakdown

Batting Core

1. Ibrahim Zadran (Top-order batter)
   Known for his solid technique and temperament, Ibrahim Zadran is Afghanistan's go-to player for anchoring innings in challenging conditions.

2. Sediqullah Atal (Top-order batter)
   A promising young batter, Atal brings aggression and flair to Afghanistan's top-order lineup.

3. Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain) (Middle-order batter)
   As the team captain, Shahidi’s calm leadership and dependable batting in the middle overs will be crucial for Afghanistan’s campaign.

4. Rahmat Shah (Vice-Captain) (Middle-order batter)
   Rahmat adds stability and experience to the middle order, ensuring that the team has a solid platform to build competitive totals.

Wicketkeepers

5. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper-batter)
   A dynamic opening batter with an explosive approach, Gurbaz is equally skilled behind the stumps.

6. Ikram Alikhil (Wicketkeeper-batter)
   A technically sound wicketkeeper and a handy batter, Ikram offers a backup option for the team.

All-rounders

7. Gulbadin Naib
   With his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, Naib is a versatile asset to the team.

8. Mohammad Nabi
   The veteran all-rounder and former captain continues to be a match-winner for Afghanistan, offering sharp off-spin and lower-order batting strength.

9. Azmatullah Omarzai
   A rising star, Omarzai combines medium-pace bowling with hard-hitting lower-order batting.

10. Rashid Khan
    A superstar of global cricket, Rashid Khan is Afghanistan’s biggest weapon. His leg-spin, combined with his batting skills, makes him an invaluable asset.

Spin Arsenal

10. AM Ghazanfar
    A promising young spinner, Ghazanfar provides depth to Afghanistan's already impressive spin attack.

11. Noor Ahmad
    Another emerging talent, Noor Ahmad’s left-arm unorthodox spin offers a variation that can trouble the opposition.

Pace Department

13. Fazalhaq Farooqi (Fast bowler)
    The spearhead of Afghanistan’s pace attack, Farooqi’s ability to swing the ball both ways makes him a potent threat.

14. Naveed Zadran (Fast bowler)
    A fiery pacer, Naveed provides extra pace and bounce, complementing the team’s bowling unit.

15. Farid Ahmad Malik (Fast bowler)
    A reliable left-arm pacer, Farid adds variety to Afghanistan’s pace attack.

Reserves

• Darwish Rasooli (Middle-order batter): A promising batter waiting for his opportunity.
• Nangyal Kharoti (Spin bowler): A young spinner with potential to contribute if called upon.
• Bilal Sami (Fast bowler): A backup option to bolster the pace department when needed.

Afghanistan squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 

Happy with our 15-member #AfghanAtalan lineup for the ICC Champions Trophy!? 🤩🏆#ChampionsTrophy 🔗: https://t.co/uZfvLZ8U8D pic.twitter.com/7bmUJuzHFb

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) January 12, 2025

Afghanistan Fixtures at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

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South Africa Sports Minister Calls for Boycott of Afghanistan in Champions Trophy

McKenzie is an advocate for keeping Afghanistan out of global sports competitions because the country's leaders are violating human rights. Ever since the Taliban took over in August 2021, things have become very bad there. They're greatly reducing what women can do or learn, and people around the world are very angry about it.

McKenzie's remarks are in line with those of British politicians who have urged England to reconsider playing Afghanistan in the tournament. Both England and South Africa are placed in the same group as Afghanistan for the One Day International (ODI) competition. This grouping has amplified calls for both teams to withdraw from fixtures, as the international community pressures countries to take a stand against Afghanistan’s regressive policies towards women. The Champions Trophy, one of the premier events in international cricket, is set to begin next month in Pakistan. As the debate over the boycott continues to gather momentum, it remains to be seen whether other nations will follow suit, demanding action over Afghanistan’s controversial stance on women's rights.

South Africa's Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has expressed strong opposition to his country’s scheduled match against Afghanistan in the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 21 in Karachi. McKenzie stated that while the final decision on whether to boycott the fixture lies with the cricketing authorities, he would personally advocate for a boycott if it were up to him.

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🚨 SPORTS MINISTER CALLS FOR BOYCOTT IN CT 2025. 🚨

- South African Sports Minister wants South Africa to boycott the match against Afghanistan to take a firm stand with women. pic.twitter.com/TYWh6ZAcw7

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 9, 2025

South Africa's Sports Minister Urges Boycott of Afghanistan in Champions Trophy Over Women's Rights

“It is not for me as the sports minister to make the final decision on whether South Africa should honour cricketing fixtures against Afghanistan. If it was my decision, then it certainly would not happen,” McKenzie said, underscoring his firm stance against Afghanistan's participation in the tournament. Both England and South Africa are placed in the same group as Afghanistan for the One Day International (ODI) competition, leading to growing pressure to withdraw from the fixtures in response to the Taliban government's harsh treatment of women's rights since they regained power in August 2021.

The South African team is set to face Afghanistan in their opening match of the Champions Trophy in Karachi on February 21. McKenzie, reflecting on South Africa's own history of Apartheid, further emphasized the moral dilemma at hand. “As a man who comes from a race that was not allowed equal access to sporting opportunities during Apartheid, it would be hypocritical and immoral to look the other way today when the same is being done towards women anywhere in the world,” he added

This call for action has been echoed by more than 160 British politicians, who have signed a cross-party letter urging the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott England’s fixture against Afghanistan in Lahore on February 26. In response, ECB chief executive Richard Gould has called for a consistent, unified approach from all member nations regarding Afghanistan's involvement in international cricket. Australia is also scheduled to play Afghanistan on February 28 in Lahore. Cricket Australia had previously postponed a bilateral men’s T20 series against Afghanistan in March 2023, citing the deteriorating human rights situation for women and girls under Taliban rule. However, Cricket Australia did play Afghanistan in both the 2023 ICC Men's World Cup in India and the T20 World Cup in June. 

Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird defended his organization’s stance last month, stating that they were "very proud of the position we’ve taken." Despite facing accusations of hypocrisy, he reiterated that they were standing by their decision to take a firm stand on the issue. As the Champions Trophy draws near, the debate over Afghanistan’s participation continues to intensify, with more nations being urged to make their stance clear on the matter.

In a major turn of events, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have appointed Pakistani batting legend Younis Khan as a mentor for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 47-year-old previously served as a batting consultant for Afghanistan in 2022.  On Wednesday, January 8th, the news was officially made public by the national cricketing body. Younis is expected to join the Afghan camp shortly just before the tournament kicks off on February 19. 

See also: Martin Guptill announces international cricket retirement

ACB's recent statement which confirms Younis' appointment as a mentor

On Wednesday, in a recent press release, the ACB spokesman Sayeed Naseem Sadat confirmed Younis Khan's appointment as a mentor. During his prime days, Younis served as a pillar for Pakistan across all formats. In his nearly two-decades-long international career, he scored 10,099 runs in 118 Tests, including a memorable triple-century against Sri Lanka (313). Furthermore, also reached the number-one spot in the ICC Test rankings. Under his leadership, Pakistan lifted their maiden T20 World Cup trophy in 2009.

“ACB has assigned former experienced top-order Pakistani player Younis Khan as Mentor for Champions Trophy 2025. He (Younis) will join the team before the event starts in Pakistan.” 

After calling quits, Younis shifted his attention to coaching. Over the course of a few years, Younis enriched his coaching record and took a number of mentoring roles for the Pakistan Cricket team and Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). In addition, he also tried his luck in the shortest format of the game and worked as a head coach for the Bangla Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.

Afghanistan's strange inclination towards hiring foreign coaching personnel

Afghanistan have earned a reputation for drafting foreign players into the coaching setup. During the ODI World Cup in India, Afghanistan had the services of the former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja. Under his supervision, Afghanistan had a memorable run in the World Cup unlike the previous editions, and finished sixth, including victories against England and Pakistan. Notably, Jadeja offered his services without seeking any payment in return.

Last year in the T20 World Cup which was jointly hosted by West Indies and the USA, Windies all-rounder DJ Bravo served as a bowling consultant for Afghanistan. Although they officially did not have a mentor for that tournament, the team managed to reach the semi-finals for the first time in its history. 

The appointment of Younis Khan highlights Afghanistan's significant inclination towards including foreign coaches from the country where the tournament is expected to be held. With the Champions Trophy slated to be jointly hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, Afghanistan can definitely profit from Younis' rich expertise. The Pakistani batting legend comes across as a natural leader and has the potential to scale Afghanistan's batting department to new heights. 

The harsh treatment of women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan has drawn sharp condemnation and outrage from various pockets of the world. Western nations have largely been vocal about this sensitive topic and have consistently highlighted this grave issue time and again on a global scale. This also includes England as well and there are countless voices within the country who have urged the national cricketing body to boycott England's match against Afghanistan in the upcoming Champions Trophy which is scheduled to take place on February 26.

See also: Former Australia all-rounder comes out of retirement to help injury-hit Sydney Thunder

Plea to boycott England's upcoming CT 2025 fixture with Afghanistan 

It is reported that as many as 160 politicians have reached out to the ECB in writing advising them to boycott the fixture. Moreover, they also urged the management to speak up on the atrocities that are being committed against women in Afghanistan and not turn a blind eye to the horrendous crimes that are being committed by the brutal Taliban regime. 

"We strongly urge the England men's team players and officials to speak out against the horrific treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban. We also urge the ECB to consider a boycott of the upcoming match against Afghanistan… to send a clear signal that such grotesque abuses will not be tolerated."

Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi also echoed the same sentiments and wrote to the ECB chief executive Richard Gould about standing up for the Afghan women and advised the ECB to deliver a powerful message to the Taliban government. 

"We must stand against sex apartheid, and we implore the ECB to deliver a firm message of solidarity and hope to Afghan women and girls that their suffering has not been overlooked."

ECB denies calls to boycott Afghanistan game

In response to growing discontent among several politicians in the UK, the ECB chief recognized the issue and strongly expressed his concerns about women's rights in Afghanistan. But at the same time, he refrained from the possibility of boycotting England's match with Afghanistan as he expects a uniform approach from all member nations rather than acting solo.

"ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. We understand the concerns raised by those who believe that a boycott of men's cricket could inadvertently support the Taliban's efforts to suppress freedoms and isolate Afghan society."

ICC expects all full member nations to make adequate provisions for the growth and development of women's cricket in its own jurisdiction. But since that requirement has not been met by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), the ECB has distanced itself from scheduling bilateral events with them for the foreseeable future. However, the two teams will continue to face each other in ICC events.

England is not the only member nation to voice their concerns over Afghinstan's gross women's rights issue. Australia have also withdrawn from playing several men's series against Afghanistan in the last couple of years because of the Taliban regime's harsh treatment of women.

As 2024 draws to a conclusion, the One-Day International format (ODI) in men's cricket continues to have a constant and prominent presence. Several players, particularly from Asia, showed their mettle.

The ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 provided an excellent opportunity for the teams to test their assets and evaluate individuals. The Champions Trophy, however, would not feature Sri Lanka or the West Indies. Notably, numerous Sri Lankan players made significant contributions this year. Charith Asalanka, one of the picked players, heads the team.

Overall, this year's primary attention was on the T20 World Cup and Test cricket, and as a result, ODIs were somewhat overlooked as we approached the Champions Trophy, and we should expect a different scene in the coming days. On that note, we present to you, the Cricket Winner ODI Team of the Year, 2024 edition. 

The T20I format of cricket has always been one such game mode that has enthralled fanatics. 2024 served a high dose of cricket's high-octane action in the shortest format. The year saw India's wait for an ICC title end, with the Men in Blue getting their hands on the ICC Men's T20 World Cup when they beat South Africa in a memorable final in Barbados.

Also, it does not take away the fact that many underdogs have shined on the international stage, and new arsenals have a new platform to give it all in the sport of cricket. Overall, the year has seen the format's evolution in the most optimistic ways possible.

That said, from the house of Cricket Winner, here we present to you the Playing XI of the Year, the 2024 edition.