Asia Cup 2025: Rashid Khan Named Captain of Afghanistan’s 20-Member Squad

Afghanistan has announced their lineup for the Men's T20 Asia Cup 2025, with star cricketer Rashid Khan leading the 20-man side. The team also has Mohammad Nabi, Afghanistan's most seasoned all-round player, while the 20-man roster has been bolstered by Gulbadin Naib, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ibrahim Zadran.

Afghanistan memorably advanced to the T20 World Cup semifinals the previous year. Zubaid Akbari and Hazratullah Zazai were left out of the team that played against Zimbabwe. Both Mohammad Ishaq and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are the team's wicket-keeper batsmen. Rashid Khan will lead the spin department, which also comprises important figures like AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. However, the pace department has firepower in the form of Naveen Ul Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi. Fareed Ahmad, Sediqullah Atal, and Darwish Rasooli have also clinched spots in the squad.

Afghanistan Put Faith in Rashid Khan:

On Sunday, August 24, the board sent a statement on its official social media account. It said, “Prior to the Asia Cup, Afghanistan will also face the hosts UAE and Pakistan in a T20I Tri-Nation Series, starting this Friday in Sharjah, which will feature most of the 22-member preliminary squad, previously announced by the ACB."

While India, Oman, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates make up Group A, Afghanistan is grouped with Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka in Group B. On September 9, the Rashid-led team will play Hong Kong in the Asia Cup opener. The Rashid Khan-led team will be focused on winning their first-ever championship at the continental tournament after the tri-series is over. They will play against teams like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong after being assigned to Group B. They will advance to the Super Fours if they finish in the top two of their group at the conclusion of the league stage games.

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