Afghanistan have named their squad for the upcoming T20I series against India, with Ibrahim Zadran captaining in what is his first full-time assignment as T20I skipper. The group mixes experienced players with emerging talent.
Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq returns after recovering from a stress fracture in his right shoulder. He joins Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Azmatullah Omarzai in the pace group.
Afghanistan Cricket Board chief executive Naseeb Khan said the aim was a balanced side able to compete strongly against India. The series is also notable because Afghanistan are set to host India for the first time in a major bilateral assignment.
Batting and spin
All-rounder Gulbadin Naib is back to add middle-order strength and a bowling option. Uncapped wicketkeeper Noor Rahman is included after good displays in domestic cricket and the Shpageeza Cricket League, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz remains the main keeper. Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli complete the batting group.
The spin department has Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Nangyal Kharoti, along with veteran Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
The squad
Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Noor Rahman (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Naveen-ul-Haq.
Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal and Fareed Ahmad Malik are named as reserves.
