Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced the Test and ODI squads for the upcoming series against India. The series will feature a one-off Test match followed by three One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Star spinner Rashid Khan has been left out of the Test squad but will captain the ODI side.
Rashid Khan omitted from Test squad
Rashid Khan, who has been a key player for Afghanistan across formats, has not been included in the Test squad. The ACB cited workload management as the reason for his exclusion. This decision aims to keep Rashid fresh for the ODI series and future assignments. Afghanistan's Test squad will be led by Hashmatullah Shahidi.
ODI squad led by Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan will return to lead the ODI team after being rested for the Test match. The ODI squad includes several experienced players such as Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ibrahim Zadran. The three-match ODI series is scheduled to be played after the Test.
Full squads
Test squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah, Ibrahim Zadran, Abdul Malik, Nasir Jamal, Bahir Shah, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Afsar Zazai (wk), Zahir Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, Nijat Masood, Mohammad Saleem, Shapoor Zadrani, Qais Ahmad, Zia-ur-Rehman.
ODI squad: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fareed Ahmad, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Noor Ahmad.
Series schedule
The one-off Test match will begin on June 14 at a venue to be confirmed. The ODI series will follow, with matches slated for June 21, 24, and 27. All matches will be played in India.
Afghanistan have been in good form in ODIs recently, and with Rashid Khan leading the side, they will look to challenge India. However, the absence of Rashid in the Test match could be a blow to their bowling attack.
