Afghanistan has announced a seven-member squad for the 2025 Hong Kong Sixes cricket tournament, with seasoned all-rounder Gulbadin Naib set to lead the team in one of the game’s most fast-paced formats.
Afghanistan, placed in Pool A, will face Nepal and South Africa in back-to-back matches on Friday, November 7, at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. The tournament, held from November 7–9, will feature 12 international teams competing in 30 matches across four pools.
Joining Naib are wicketkeeper Noor Rahman Rahmani, Sediqullah Pacha, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Farmanullah Safi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, and all-rounder Karim Janat — a lineup blending experience and youthful energy.
The Sixes format, a rapid-fire version of cricket with only six players per side and five overs per innings, demands aggressive shot-making, tactical bowling, and athletic fielding — areas where Afghanistan has built a reputation in recent years.
Afghanistan’s fixtures include an early morning clash against Nepal at 7:30 a.m. AFT, followed by a 10:15 a.m. AFT showdown with South Africa — both on the opening day of the tournament.
The Hong Kong Sixes is known for its electric atmosphere and carnival-like pace, with past editions showcasing some of the world’s finest short-format talents. While not part of the ICC calendar, the event draws attention from cricket fans and scouts alike due to its emphasis on flair, adaptability and raw talent.
This year’s edition marks Afghanistan’s continued investment in building bench strength and testing players in diverse formats. The team enters the tournament following a string of promising performances in T20 cricket, and will look to carry that momentum into the shorter, sharper Sixes arena.
