The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to interrupt an eight-year hiatus, commencing on February 19 with hosts Pakistan taking up New Zealand within the event opener. This much-anticipated occasion will characteristic eight elite groups competing in 15 thrilling matches over 19 days. Because the deadline for submitting provisional squad lists to the ICC approaches, Afghanistan have joined England, New Zealand and Bangladesh in formally asserting their squad for the celebrated event. This marks Afghanistan’s maiden look within the Champions Trophy, a testomony to their exceptional rise in worldwide cricket.
Afghanistan gears up for historic debut underneath Hashmatullah Shahidi
Hashmatullah Shahidi, the skilled batter and tactician, will lead Afghanistan on this historic marketing campaign. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed a balanced 15-member squad accompanied by touring reserves. The crew boasts a mix of seasoned campaigners and rising expertise, reflecting Afghanistan’s rising depth in cricketing prowess.
The squad consists of stalwarts like Ibrahim Zadran, a constant performer within the high order recognized for anchoring innings with aptitude, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter who has confirmed instrumental in offering speedy begins on the high of the order. Including additional energy to the batting lineup are gamers like Sediqullah Atal, a promising younger batter with the potential to make a major influence, and Rahmat Shah, whose calm and composed method within the center order has been a cornerstone of Afghanistan’s ODI success.
Spin energy led by Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi
Afghanistan’s spin division, a key asset for the crew, will likely be spearheaded by Rashid Khan, one of many world’s premier leg-spinners with huge expertise in franchise and worldwide cricket. Supporting him is Mohammad Nabi, the seasoned all-rounder who brings management, management with the ball, and a wealth of expertise in high-pressure tournaments. Collectively, they type a formidable spin duo able to troubling the world’s finest batters, particularly on subcontinent pitches. Versatile all-rounders Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai carry an important stability to the aspect, providing power-hitting capabilities decrease down the order and dependable medium-pace choices with the ball. In the meantime Mujeeb Ur Rahman didn’t discover a place within the Afghan squad.
Additionally READ: Bangladesh unveils 15-member squad for Champions Trophy 2025; no place for Litton Das
Momentum from current success
Afghanistan will enter the Champions Trophy on the again of spectacular performances in current ICC occasions. Their marketing campaign on the ICC Males’s Cricket World Cup 2023 showcased their capability to compete with high groups, whereas their semifinal run within the 2024 Males’s T20 World Cup underlined their development as a power to reckon with in limited-overs cricket. With gamers in type and a well-rounded squad, Afghanistan is primed to make an influence of their Champions Trophy debut.
This historic look represents a serious milestone for Afghanistan cricket, highlighting their journey from Affiliate standing to competing in one of many ICC’s most prestigious tournaments. Followers and cricketing lovers alike will eagerly await their efficiency on this international stage.
Afghanistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran.
Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami
