Afghanistan Cricket Squad: Who's In, Who's Out and What to Watch

If you follow Asian cricket, the Afghanistan side is one of the most exciting stories right now. After a roller‑coaster of form in the last year, the board has trimmed the list and added a few fresh faces. Below is a quick guide to the current squad, the players you should keep an eye on, and the big games coming up.

Key Players in the Current Squad

Rashid Khan – The world‑famous leg‑spinner is still the backbone of Afghanistan’s attack. He leads the bowling unit with his uncanny flight and pace variations, and his batting has become handy down the order.

Mohammad Nabi – At 39, Nabi brings experience and calm. He captains the side in ODIs and T20s, often delivering crucial runs in the middle and guiding younger bowlers.

Farhan Ahmed – The left‑arm pacer broke onto the scene with a 5‑for against Ireland last season. His ability to swing the ball early makes him a natural front‑line bowler.

Gulbadin Naib – Naib’s aggressive batting style has turned him into a handy finisher. He also fields at point, where his speed saves dozens of runs.

Hashmatullah Shahidi – As the top‑order batsman, Shahidi provides stability. He averages over 45 in Tests and can anchor an innings when the top order collapses.

Other notable names include bowler Akbar‑uz‑Zaman, all‑rounder Samiullah Shinwari, and young wicket‑keeper batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who has shown a knack for quick starts in T20s.

What to Expect in Upcoming Tournaments

Afghanistan is set to play in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers later this year. The squad will need to balance experience with the new talent that proved itself in regional tournaments. Expect Rashid and Nabi to lead from the front, while Farhan and Akbar‑uz‑Zaman will be tasked with breaking partnerships.

In the T20 World Cup, the team’s game plan revolves around spin dominance and hard‑hitting at the end of the innings. If Gulbadin continues his power‑hitting streak, Afghanistan could chase down totals that look impossible on paper.

Watch for the decision on whether Shahidi will open in the limited‑overs format. His technique against pace has improved, and giving him a top‑order spot could add depth to the batting line‑up.

The upcoming series against Pakistan will be a true test. Afghanistan’s bowlers will need to keep the Pakistani top order in check, while the batting side must negotiate the swing-friendly conditions.

Overall, the squad’s blend of seasoned campaigners and energetic youngsters gives them a fighting chance in any format. Stay tuned to squad announcements, injury updates, and match previews to keep up with the fast‑moving world of Afghanistan cricket.