Star spinner left out as Afghanistan announce 15-member squad for 2025 ICC Champions Trophy

Afghanistan have announced their 15-member squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, marking their debut in the prestigious tournament. The team has been placed in Group B, alongside strong contenders England, Australia and South Africa.

Hashmatullah Shahidi will continue to lead the side in the 50-over format. The squad also sees the return of Ibrahim Zadran, who has recovered from an injury sustained during a practice session ahead of Afghanistan’s Test match against New Zealand in September 2024.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz will be the team’s primary wicketkeeper-batter, while the middle order will be bolstered by experienced players like Rahmat Shah and captain Shahidi. The squad also includes match-winning all-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Gulbadin Naib.

Meanwhile, the three frontline seamers selected are Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, and Naveed Zadran. Rashid Khan will spearhead the spin attack, supported by AM Ghazanfar and Noor Ahmad.

However, spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who has taken 101 wickets in 75 matches, has been left out. ACB Interim Chief Selector Mr. Ahmad Suliman Khil shared the following update on the spinner's omission:

"Mujeeb Ur Rahman was not available for the selection as he has been advised by his doctor to focus on T20s for a while to ensure his full recovery before returning to ODIs. That was also the reason he missed the recently concluded ODI series against Zimbabwe," [as quoted by Sports Tak].

Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy campaign will begin with a match against South Africa on February 21, 2025, in Karachi. Following that, Shahidi’s team will face England on February 26 and Australia on February 28, both of which are scheduled to take place in Lahore.

Afghanistan squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, and Naveed Zadran.

Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, and Bilal Sami.

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Afghanistan made history in the last ICC event in 2024

The most recent ICC event, the 2024 T20 World Cup co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA, saw Afghanistan make history. Placed in Group C, Afghanistan won three out of their four group-stage matches, including a notable victory over New Zealand, which secured their spot in the Super 8s.

In the Super 8s, Afghanistan continued their remarkable run, beating Australia and advancing to the semi-finals alongside India from Group 1. Although they were defeated by South Africa in the semi-finals, the campaign was historic for Afghanistan, as they reached the semi-finals of an ICC event for the first time.