The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s Selection Committee on Sunday announced an 18-member National squad for the upcoming home three-match ODI series against Pakistan. The series is scheduled to take place from August 22 to 26 in Sri Lanka.
The fast bowling pair of Mohammad Saleem Safi and Wafadar Momand, who were integral to Afghanistan’s recent ODI tour in Bangladesh, have successfully secured their spots in the lineup. However, the selection panel has decided to exclude left-arm spinner Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, who made his ODI debut against Bangladesh, and the uncapped leg-spinner Izharulhaq Naveed from the squad for the Pakistan Series.
In a notable return, left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad, who was previously left out of the team’s last ODI series, has been reinstated in the lineup. Additionally, the left-handed middle-order batter Shahidullah Kamal and the left-arm fast bowler Farid Ahmad Malik have been named as the traveling reserves for the tour.
ACB Chief Selector, Asadullah Khan, expressed his perspective on the squad: “Our primary focus remains on preparing the team for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup 2023. This three-match ODI series against Pakistan serves as a fantastic opportunity for us to fine-tune the team for these forthcoming events.”
He added that the preparations for the Pakistan series have been proceeding smoothly; the players recently showcased commendable performances during the Kabul Camp, under the guidance of ACB’s HPC staff.
In addition, the team will partake in an intensive week-long conditioning camp ahead of the Pakistan Series, he said.
The Afghanistan Squad consists of: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Wafadar Momand. The reserves include Farid Ahmad Malik and Shahidullah Kamal.
Series Schedule:
22nd August – 1st ODI, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
24th August – 2nd ODI, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
26th August – 3rd ODI, Colombo, Sri Lanka
