Afghanistan, one of the most exciting T20 sides in recent years, is preparing to make a serious mark in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Known for their fearless cricket and world-class spin attack, the Afghan team enters the tournament with a strong mix of experienced campaigners and talented young guns ready to deliver on the big stage.
While the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is yet to officially announce the squad, recent performances and selection trends give a clear indication of who’s likely to make the cut. Based on recent T20 series and international form, here is the expected Afghanistan squad for the Asia Cup 2025.
Afghanistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025 (Expected)
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Rashid Khan (C) | Bowling All-Rounder |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Ibrahim Zadran | Top-order Batter |
| Najibullah Zadran | Middle-order Batter |
| Mohammad Nabi | All-Rounder |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | Pace All-Rounder |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | Spin Bowler |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Left-arm Fast Bowler |
| Naveen-ul-Haq | Fast Bowler |
| Noor Ahmad | Left-arm Spinner |
| Gulbadin Naib | All-Rounder |
| Karim Janat | All-Rounder |
| Hashmatullah Shahidi | Batter |
| Ikram Alikhil | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Qais Ahmad | Leg Spinner |
Note: This is a predicted squad. The official list will be announced by ACB closer to the tournament.
Key Players to Watch
- Rashid Khan – The captain and heart of Afghanistan’s bowling lineup, with unmatched T20 experience.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz – An explosive opener who can take the game away in the powerplay.
- Mohammad Nabi – The veteran all-rounder still adds depth, stability, and game awareness.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman – A mystery spinner who will be crucial on UAE pitches.
- Azmatullah Omarzai – A developing pace-bowling all-rounder bringing balance to the squad.
Predicted Playing XI for Afghanistan
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Najibullah Zadran
- Hashmatullah Shahidi
- Mohammad Nabi
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Rashid Khan (C)
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Noor Ahmad / Qais Ahmad
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: Spin Depth & Power Hitters
Afghanistan’s biggest strength remains their world-class spin trio — Rashid, Mujeeb, and Noor. Their ability to bowl tight overs and strike in the middle phases makes Afghanistan dangerous in any T20 contest.
The batting lineup boasts power-hitters like Gurbaz and Najibullah, while the likes of Shahidi and Nabi bring the calm. Azmatullah and Gulbadin Naib provide much-needed flexibility as seam-bowling all-rounders.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Elite Spin Bowling Unit
- Explosive Opening Options
- Depth in All-Rounders
Weaknesses:
- Lack of Experienced Finishers
- Inconsistent Fast Bowling at Death
- Pressure in Knockouts
Recent Form and Build-Up to Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan played multiple T20I series in the lead-up to the Asia Cup, facing tough competition from Pakistan, Ireland, and Bangladesh. While they’ve shown moments of brilliance, the team has also struggled with consistency, particularly in chasing under pressure.
That said, with most players active in T20 leagues like the IPL, BBL, and ILT20, match sharpness won’t be an issue.
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)
1. Who is the captain of the Afghanistan team for Asia Cup 2025?
Rashid Khan is expected to lead Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2025, continuing his role as captain in the T20 format.
2. Has the Afghanistan squad for Asia Cup 2025 been officially announced?
As of now, the official squad is yet to be confirmed. However, key players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are likely to be included.
3. Where will Afghanistan play its matches in Asia Cup 2025?
Afghanistan will play its group-stage matches in the UAE, as the entire tournament is being hosted at a neutral venue due to political concerns.
4. Which group is Afghanistan placed in for the Asia Cup 2025?
Afghanistan is in Group B along with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong.
5. Can Afghanistan qualify for the Super Four stage?
Yes, if Afghanistan finishes among the top two in Group B, they will advance to the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025.
