Afghanistan name 19-member squad for AFG vs BAN 2024 ODI series, Ibrahim Zadran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman ruled out

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a 19-member squad for next month's ODI series against Bangladesh, with opener Ibrahim Zadran missing out due to an ankle surgery. Mujeeb Ur Rahman will also miss the 50-over games as he is still recovering from a right phalanx sprain.

Sediqullah Atal, who is uncapped in ODIs, but has played six T20Is, has been called up as cover for Zadran. Atal is leading the run-scoring charts in the ACC Men's Emerging Asia Cup, having mustered 230 runs in three innings, averaging 115. Left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad has also been recalled, having missed the previous ODI series against South Africa. The rest of the squad is the same that registered a historic ODI series win over South Africa in September.

Sharjah will host all three ODIs on November 6, 9, and 11 and the series will be the last scheduled one for Afghanistan before the Champions Trophy 2025.

Afghanistan ODI squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran, Farid Ahmad Malik.

"Playing against Bangladesh has always been challenging and full of joy" - Afghanistan Cricket Board's CEO

Hashmatullah Shahidi addresses his players. (Credits: Getty)

ACB CEO Naseeb Khan reflected that the present year has been a hugely successful one for them, especially in the white-ball format. He is looking forward to the players bringing them more glory.

Khan said, as quoted by cricket.af:

"The calendar year 2024 has been action-packed and quite successful for the ACB and the AfghanAtalan lineup, particularly in white-ball cricket. ODI cricket has been a top priority for us, as it helps us prepare the team for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Playing against Bangladesh has always been challenging and full of joy. I believe the group of players selected for this series will perform exceptionally well and bring more glory to our nation."

Chief Selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil addressed the squad selection, claiming:

"Ibrahim Zadran is currently undergoing rehabilitation and continues to recover from the surgery he recently had. Mujeeb Ur Rahman also remains unavailable due to ongoing treatment. However, Noor Ahmad is back in the squad, and we have included a promising top-order batter in Sediqullah Atal, who has impressed everyone with his consistent top performances."

The two sides have played 16 ODIs so far, with Afghanistan winning six of them.