Champions Trophy: Spinner Ghazanfar Injured, Kharoti Joins Afghanistan's Main Squad
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Synopsis
Afghanistan has announced its squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, starting February 19, with AM Ghazanfar ruled out due to a back injury. Nangyal Kharoti replaces him in the main squad as they prepare to face strong opponents in Group B.
Key Takeaways
- AM Ghazanfar ruled out of ICC Champions Trophy.
- Nangyal Kharoti promoted to the main squad.
- Afghanistan faces South Africa, Australia, and England in Group B.
- Champions Trophy starts on February 19.
- Ghazanfar sidelined for a minimum of four months.
Kabul, Feb 12 (NationPress) Afghanistan has finalized its roster for the ICC Champions Trophy, commencing on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE. Unfortunately, teenage spinner AM Ghazanfar has been excluded from the tournament due to a back injury.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) reported that Ghazanfar incurred the injury during the tour of Zimbabwe and will be out of action for at least four months while receiving treatment.
According to a statement from the ACB, Afghanistan's promising spin-bowling talent, AM Ghazanfar, has been sidelined from the ICC Champions Trophy owing to a fracture in the L4 vertebra, specifically in the left pars interarticularis.
Ghazanfar, who has taken 21 wickets in 11 ODIs, was selected in the preliminary squad last month following outstanding performances in limited-overs cricket last year.
In his place, Nangyal Kharoti, who was part of the reserves, has been elevated to the main squad for the Champions Trophy. Additionally, Mujaheed Ur Rahman remains unavailable for ODI matches until he fully recovers.
The 20-year-old Kharoti aims to increase his total of seven ODI caps for his nation, with his last appearance being against Bangladesh in Sharjah towards the end of the previous year.
Afghanistan has been grouped in Group B alongside South Africa, Australia, and England.
Their Champions Trophy journey will kick off against South Africa in Karachi, followed by additional Group B matches against England and Australia in Lahore.
Afghanistan Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran.
Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Bilal Sami
