Afghanistan named their 17-man squad for the Asia Cup on Sunday.
The tournament will run from 9 to 28 September in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Rashid Khan will lead the side. His experience and leadership give Afghanistan belief on the big stage.
Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq makes a return. He last played for Afghanistan in December 2024. His comeback adds firepower to a strong bowling group that also has Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, and Sharafuddin Ashraf.
Rashid will have support from a mix of senior names and young players. Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman strengthen the middle order. At the top, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Darwish Rasooli will look to anchor the innings.
The squad also features Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Ishaq, and Allah Ghazanfar. They have all shown promise in recent domestic and international matches.
Afghanistan picked reserves as well. Wafiullah Tarakhil, Nangyal Kharote, and Abdullah Ahmadzai will step in if needed.
The team has grown as a T20 force in recent years. Rashid’s leadership will be key. The leg-spinner ranks among the best in the world and can win matches with both ball and bat.
The Asia Cup brings together top teams like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Afghanistan aim to challenge these sides. They will target a strong group stage and hope to enter the knockouts with momentum.
The tournament gives young Afghan players a chance to shine while senior stars lead from the front. Skill, belief, and experience will guide their campaign.
Afghanistan squad for Asia Cup 2025: Rashid Khan (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.