As the deadline for announcing the 15 Members T20 World Cup Squad approaches, the nations are revealing their hidden weapons. Afghanistan unveiled its 15-man team on Thursday, which looks like a team ready to compete at the world level.
Mohammad Nabi, who captained Afghanistan at the just-finished Asia Cup 2022, takes over as captain once more. Qais Ahmed returns to the team after missing a T20I against Bangladesh in March 2022, while Safi, 20, has earned his first international call-up.
Samiullah Shinwari, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afsar Zazai, Karim Janat, and Noor Ahmad, all members of the Asia Cup squad, are not included. Meanwhile, Darwish Rasooli, all-rounder Qais Ahmad, and right-arm quick Salim Safi have been added to the squad. Rasooli, 22, earned his international debut earlier this year after recovering from a finger injury and putting up strong performances in the Shpageeza Cricket League 2022.
The chief selector of the Afghanistan Board Noor Malikzai said, “The Asia Cup was a very good opportunity for the team to buildup things nicely for the much-important global event in Australia.”
“Fortunately, Darwish Rasooli has recovered from injury (broken finger) and we are happy to have him available for the WT20, he has demonstrated good glimpses of him in the previously held Shpageeza Cricket League 2022 and offers an additional batting option to our middle order.
“Since the Australian conditions offer further support for the fast bowlers, so we have added Salim Safi, the tall right-arm quick to add further impetus to our bowling department. Overall we have picked our best available players for the event and we are hopeful of them to do well and better represent the country in the mega event.”
Afghanistan is grouped alongside reigning champions Australia, New Zealand, and England in Group 1 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. The Group A champions and Group B runners-up will join Group 1 in Super 12s.
The team looks like a balanced side with young and experienced players coming together to take on big teams. The Asia Cup exposure must have made the players realize how to execute on the field against the big teams. The team still has a lot of shortcomings to overcome, this world cup would serve as a stepping stone tournament.
Afghanistan 15 Members T20 World Cup Squad :
Mohammad Nabi (C), Najibullah Zadran (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Darwish Rasooli, Farid Ahmad Malik, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran, Mujib ur Rahman, Naveen ul Haq, Qais Ahmad, Rashid Khan, Salim Safi and Usman Ghani. Reserves: Afsar Zazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rahmat Shah, Gulbadin Naib.
Afghanistan Announces 15 Members T20 World Cup Squad
