Rashid Khan will lead an experienced Afghanistan squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, the ACB announced on Tuesday. The 15-man squad boasts eight players currently involved in the IPL, showcasing their international experience and talent.
Despite having only four designated batters in Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, and Mohammad Ishaq, the squad’s strength lies in its six allrounders. Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, and Nangeyalia Kharote provide a versatile blend of batting, bowling, and fielding abilities.
Afghanistan’s spin attack is formidable, with Rashid Khan, Nabi, and Kharote forming the core. Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Noor Ahmad add depth to the spin department, giving the team multiple options to control the opposition’s scoring rate.
Naveen-ul-Haq is the lone right-arm fast bowler in the squad, while left-arm pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Ahmad complete the bowling attack. Their pace and variation will be crucial in containing the opposition’s batters.
Noor Ahmad, Karim Janat, and Mohammad Ishaq, who have all impressed in recent U-19 World Cups, will make their T20 World Cup debuts. Their inclusion signals Afghanistan’s commitment to developing young talent and building a strong future for the team.
Hashmatullah Shahidi, who captained Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup, was not selected for the T20 World Cup squad. Left-hand opener Hazratullah Zazai was also omitted from the main squad but will travel as one of three reserves alongside Sediqullah Atal and Mohammad Saleem.
Afghanistan will face a tough challenge in Group C of the 20-team tournament. They will encounter Test teams New Zealand and co-hosts West Indies, as well as Uganda and Papua New Guinea. The team’s experience and versatility will be tested as they aim to advance to the knockout stages.
