Hashmatullah Shahidi was officially named the captain of the Afghanistan squad on Tuesday for the upcoming one-off Test and three-match ODI series against India, scheduled from June 6 to 20. The ODI squad features prominent players such as Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ibrahim Zadran.
Test Squad Composition
For the Test match, Afghanistan has selected a blend of experienced and young cricketers. The main batting group will be led by Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Azmatullah Omarzai. Wicketkeepers Afsar Zazai and Ikram Alikhil have also been included, while the spin attack will be spearheaded by Sharafudin Ashraf and Qais Ahmad. The pace bowling department will be handled by Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi, and Saleem Safi.
ODI Squad Changes
In the ODI squad, Afghanistan has opted for a slightly different combination, recalling experienced players Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan. The batting lineup is bolstered by young opener Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, and Darwish Rasooli. Meanwhile, AM Ghazanfar and Bilal Sami add depth to the bowling attack. Ghazanfar earned his place after impressive performances for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, where he took 15 wickets in 11 matches.
Match Schedule
Afghanistan will begin the tour with the one-off Test in New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10. The ODI series will commence in Dharamsala on June 14, followed by the second ODI in Lucknow on June 17, and the final match in Chennai on June 20.
Full Squads
Test Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafudin Ashraf, Nangyal Kharotai, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi, Saleem Safi. Reserve Pool: Bashir Ahmad, Bahir Shah, Ismat Alam.
ODI Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil (WK), Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharotai, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Malik, Bilal Sami. Reserve Pool: Qais Ahmad, Saleem Safi, Bashir Ahmad.
