Rashid Khan to lead as Afghanistan face Hong Kong in tournament opener on September 9
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has unveiled a 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, with star leg-spinner Rashid Khan continuing as captain. The tournament kicks off in the UAE on September 9, with Afghanistan set to play the curtain-raiser against Hong Kong.
The big boost for Afghanistan comes in the return of Mujeeb ur Rahman and teenage prodigy Allah Ghazanfar, both of whom missed the Champions Trophy earlier this year. Their inclusion, alongside Rashid and veteran Mohammad Nabi, makes Afghanistan’s spin attack one of the most formidable in the competition.
Top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran, who impressed on his comeback earlier this year, retains his place, while explosive opener Hazratullah Zazai has been left out. The batting unit will be held together by Darwish Rasooli and Sediqullah Atal, with wicketkeeper-batters Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Ishaq providing firepower at the top.
Afghanistan’s strength in the all-round department remains intact, with Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, and Gulbadin Naib offering both depth and balance.
On the pace front, left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi will spearhead the attack, supported by Naveen-ul-Haq and Farid Ahmad Malik. Naveen, who has been selective about formats, is in line to make his first T20I appearance of 2025.
The squad also includes three traveling reserves: Wafiullah Tarakhail, Nangyal Kharote, and Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Afghanistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Farid Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq
Group Stage Challenge
Afghanistan are placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. A strong start in the opener could set the tone as Rashid Khan’s men look to finally break through to the Asia Cup final after years of being labeled dark horses.
