In a much-anticipated announcement, the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s (ACB) Selection Committee has unveiled the 18-member National squad for the thrilling home three-match ODI series against Pakistan.
Source: Google
Set to take place from 22nd to 26th August in Sri Lanka, the series promises to be a riveting clash of cricketing talents from two passionate cricketing nations.
Consistency Rewarded – The Fast Bowling Duo
Afghanistan’s fast bowling department has received a boost from the addition of Mohammad Saleem Safi and Wafadar Momand.
These two talented players have earned their spots in the lineup after their impressive performances during the recent ODI tour to Bangladesh.Â
Their skills in generating pace and movement make them essential assets for the team.
Notable Omissions – Zia Ur Rahman Akbar and Izharulhaq Naveed
While some players have found their names in the squad, there have been some notable exclusions. Left-arm spinner Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, who recently made his ODI debut against Bangladesh, and the talented leggie Izharulhaq Naveed have been left out of the squad for the Pakistan series.
However, both players have shown immense potential, and their chance to represent the nation may come in the future.
Noor Ahmad’s Return and Travelling Reserves
Excitement surrounds the return of left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad to the lineup. After being left out of the team’s last ODI series, Noor Ahmad has proved his mettle, earning his place back in the squad.
Additionally, the left-handed middle-order batter Shahidullah Kamal and the left-arm fast bowler Farid Ahmad Malik have been named part of the travelling reserves for the tour.
Their presence as reserves highlights the depth and versatility of the squad.
Related:ICC Men’s Cricket World cup 2023
ACB Chief Selector’s Vision for Success
ACB Chief Selector, Mr. Asadullah Khan, has laid out a clear vision for the team’s preparation. He emphasised that the primary focus is on gearing up for the upcoming two main events of the Asia Cup and the highly prestigious World Cup 2023.
The three-match ODI series against Pakistan provides a golden opportunity for the team to fine-tune their skills and strategies, ensuring they are at their best for the forthcoming challenges.
Methodical Preparations and Conditioning Camp
The preparations for the Pakistan series are well underway, with the players demonstrating their abilities during a productive Kabul Camp.
This camp was closely supervised by ACB’s High-Performance Center (HPC) staff, ensuring that each player get expert guidance and support. The intense training sessions aimed to improve batting techniques, hone bowling skills, and fine-tune fielding prowess.
To further boost the team’s readiness, a week-long conditioning camp has been scheduled before the commencement of the Pakistan Series. This camp will serve as a platform for players to adjust to the Sri Lankan conditions but as an opportunity to build mental resilience and physical endurance.
Meet the Afghanistan Squad
The Afghanistan team, consisting of 18 members, has an impressive roster of talented players. Here are the individuals who will represent the nation in this exciting series, proudly wearing national colours.
- Hashmatullah Shahidi
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Ikram Alikhil
- 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
- Wafadar Momand
Source: Google
Reserves: Farid Ahmad Malik and Shahidullah Kamal
The inclusion of Farid Ahmad Malik and Shahidullah Kamal as reserves showcase the talent pool available to the selectors and ensure that the team has adequate backup options.
Series Schedule
The three-match ODI series against Pakistan will be played at two venues in Sri Lanka:
- 22nd August – 1st ODI, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
- 24th August – 2nd ODI, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
- 26th August – 3rd ODI, Colombo, Sri Lanka
The Path to Greatness – ACB’s Commitment
The Afghanistan Cricket Board is dedicated to fostering and growing young cricket players. They invest in coaching, facilities, and scouting to achieve their vision of Afghanistan cricket becoming a prominent global player, competing with the best, and making the nation proud.
So mark your calendars, cricket enthusiasts, and get ready to witness a captivating series that promises to be nothing short of sensational.
The clash between Afghanistan and Pakistan is sure to captivate the cricketing world and provide an unforgettable experience for fans and players alike.
