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Afghanistan Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Unveiled

Afghanistan Champions Trophy 2025 Squad

Afghanistan has unveiled their 15‑member squad for their debut ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025 in Pakistan and the UAE .

Squad Composition

• Captain: Hashmatullah Shahidi
• Vice‑Captain: Rahmat Shah
• Openers & Top‑order: Ibrahim Zadran (returned from ankle injury), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, and Ikram Alikhil
• All‑rounders & Middle Order: Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan
• Bowling Unit: AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Ahmad Malik, Naveed Zadran

Notable absentees: Mujeeb Ur Rahman was left out on medical advice to focus on T20s; AM Ghazanfar was included as a rising mystery-spinner .

Reserves

• Darwish Rasooli
• Nangyal Kharoti
• Bilal Sami

Strategic Insights & Highlights squad

• Leadership and Experience: With Hashmatullah Shahidi at the helm, the squad balances seasoned tournament performers like Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan with dynamic versatile options like Omarzai and Naib.

• Fast Recovery Star: Ibrahim Zadran’s return to the squad after overcoming an injury adds much-needed solidity at the top.

• Spin Depth: Despite the absence of Mujeeb, Afghanistan retain a potent spin arsenal in Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and newcomer Ghazanfar.

• All‑rounder Strength: Omarzai’s impressive all‑round form—worthy of attention as noted by The Guardian—could prove pivotal in stabilizing and accelerating middle‑overs play .

• Context & Expectations: The squad announcement comes amidst external criticism of Afghanistan’s participation due to political circumstances, but boards like England and South Africa have affirmed their participation to preserve the tournament’s integrity .

• Group Stage Challenge: Afghanistan has been drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, England, and Australia, making every match crucial for advancement .

Internal Link Ideas

• For match-by-match Champions Trophy 2025 preview, include internal link: Check out our detailed tournament preview for Match Day scheduling and key matchups.

• For player spotlights: Explore our player insights to learn more about the strengths of Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan, and spin prospects like AM Ghazanfar.

• For team strategy: Read our analysis of Afghanistan’s spin bowling tactics tailored for subcontinental conditions.

External Link Suggestions trophy

• For official team announcement details, link to the Afghanistan Cricket Board press release .

• For context on Mujeeb’s exclusion and squad rationale, reference ICC news coverage .

• For broader tournament context and Group B assessment, link to The Guardian’s Champions Trophy team guide .

• For controversy and political backdrop, include Reuters coverage of the squad announcement amid boycott discussions .

Final Thoughts squad trophy

Afghanistan enters the Champions Trophy 2025 with a carefully crafted squad: a mix of veteran composure, explosive talent, and youthful promise. With Hashmatullah Shahidi providing leadership, and players like Rashid Khan, Ibrahim Zadran, and Azmatullah Omarzai poised to deliver on the big stage, they’re set for a high‑stakes debut in this elite global tournament.

Let me know if you’d like a full match preview, in‑depth player profile, or team strategy breakdown next!