Image Source: AFP
[Saba Sports News] Afghanistan’s cricket team will be competing without their premier spinners, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, in the forthcoming ODI series against Ireland in the UAE due to injuries. Rashid is sidelined because of back surgery, while Mujeeb is recuperating from a sprain in his right phalanx, making them unavailable for the series that kicks off next week.
In response, Afghanistan, who are hosting the series, has introduced three fresh talents to the squad. They include Nangyal Kharoti, a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, a right-arm off-spinner who impressed in the U19 World Cup 2024, and Bilal Sami, a right-arm fast bowler, all set for their international debuts.
The ACB’s chief selector, Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, commented on the team selection, emphasizing the inclusion of promising young players like Kharoti and Sami, and noted Ghazanfar’s potential as a standout performer during the U19 World Cup, who will now fill in for Mujeeb.
The series consists of three ODIs, all scheduled to be held in Sharjah on the 7th, 9th, and 12th of March.
The announced squad includes Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmat Shah (vice-captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Ikram Alikhil (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Nangyal Kharoti, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran, and Farid Ahmad Malik, with Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, Shahidullah Kamal, and Qais Ahmad listed as reserves.