Afghanistan have officially named their 17-member squad for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, with star all-rounder Rashid Khan leading the side. The tournament kicks off on September 9 in the UAE, where Afghanistan face Hong Kong in the curtain raiser.
Afghanistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Rashid Khan (C) | Captain / All-rounder |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Ibrahim Zadran | Batter |
| Darwish Rasooli | Batter |
| Sediqullah Atal | Batter |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | All-rounder |
| Karim Janat | All-rounder |
| Mohammad Nabi | All-rounder |
| Gulbadin Naib | All-rounder |
| Sharafuddin Ashraf | All-rounder |
| Mohammad Ishaq | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Noor Ahmad | Bowler (Left-arm spin) |
| Mujeeb ur Rahman | Bowler (Off-spin) |
| AM Ghazanfar | Bowler (Spinner) |
| Farid Ahmad Malik | Bowler (Left-arm pace) |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Bowler (Left-arm pace) |
| Naveen-ul-Haq | Bowler (Right-arm pace) |
Reserves: Wafiullah Tarakhail, Nangyal Kharote, Abdullah Ahmadzai
Key Updates
The big news is the return of Mujeeb ur Rahman and Allah Ghazanfar, both of whom missed the Champions Trophy earlier this year. Their inclusion strengthens Afghanistan’s already formidable spin attack, which also features skipper Rashid Khan, veteran Mohammad Nabi, and youngster Noor Ahmad.
In batting, Ibrahim Zadran retains his spot after making a strong comeback earlier this year, while Hazratullah Zazai misses out. The middle order is powered by Darwish Rasooli and Sediqullah Atal, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Ishaq providing options behind the stumps.
Afghanistan’s all-round strength looks solid with Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, and Gulbadin Naib forming a reliable engine room. The pace department will be spearheaded by Fazalhaq Farooqi, supported by Naveen-ul-Haq and Farid Ahmad Malik.
The squad also includes three traveling reserves: Wafiullah Tarakhail, Nangyal Kharote, and Abdullah Ahmadzai.
T20I Tri-Series Before Asia Cup 2025
As a warm-up for the Asia Cup, Afghanistan will compete in a T20I tri-series with Pakistan and UAE:
- 📍 All matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium
- 📅 August 29 – September 7, 2025
- Afghanistan’s first match: August 29 vs Pakistan
This tri-series will help players adapt to UAE conditions before the Asia Cup kicks off on September 9.
Afghanistan’s Group‑Stage Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| September 9 | Afghanistan vs Hong Kong | UAE |
| September 16 | Afghanistan vs Bangladesh | UAE |
| September 18 | Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka | UAE |
Squad Analysis – Strong Spin Core, Balanced Unit
Strengths: World-class spin depth (Rashid, Mujeeb, Nabi, Noor), experienced all-rounders, and an explosive opener in Gurbaz.
Weaknesses: Middle-order consistency under pressure and death bowling execution remain concerns.
With conditions in the UAE suiting spinners, Afghanistan will be a dangerous side. Their ability to handle pressure against established teams like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will decide whether they can make a deep run this year.
Can Afghanistan Make History in Asia Cup 2025?
Afghanistan has long been seen as a dark horse. With more experience and global T20 exposure than ever before, this could be the year they finally break through to the final.
The UAE conditions suit their spin-heavy strategy perfectly. If they start well and handle the big-match nerves, Afghanistan has the talent to beat any side — even giants like India or Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is the captain of Afghanistan for Asia Cup 2025?
Rashid Khan will lead Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2025.
Q2: Where will the Asia Cup 2025 be played?
The tournament will take place in the UAE.
Q3: How many players are in Afghanistan’s squad?
Afghanistan has named a 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025.
Q4: Which senior players are included in the squad?
Alongside Rashid Khan, key players include Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Q5: Are there any new faces in the Afghanistan squad?
Yes, Afghanistan has added a mix of young talents to bring fresh energy to the team.
