Is Rashid Resting for Test While Leading T20I Team as Afghanistan Names Squad for Zimbabwe Tour?
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Synopsis
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has revealed its squad for the imminent Zimbabwe tour, featuring a significant Test match and a T20I series. With Rashid Khan resting for the Test, Hashmatullah Shahidi will captain the squad. This strategic decision emphasizes player well-being and sustained performance ahead of upcoming international challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the Test squad against Zimbabwe.
- Rashid Khan is rested to prioritize his health.
- Bashir Ahmad and others retained for their recent performances.
- Shahidullah Kamal included in both Test and T20I squads.
- Afghanistan aims to build on recent successes in international cricket.
Kabul, Oct 15 (NationPress) The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially unveiled its squad for the upcoming tour to Zimbabwe, which features a landmark one-off Test match along with a series of three T20I matches commencing on October 20 at the Harare Sports Club.
In the one-off Test, Hashmatullah Shahidi will take charge of the team as Rashid Khan has been rested as a precautionary measure to ensure his health and ongoing performance in forthcoming international competitions. He will lead the squad during the T20I matches.
Left-arm fast bowler Bashir Ahmad, who recently played in ODIs and T20Is for Afghanistan and was part of the Test squad on the last visit to Zimbabwe, remains in the lineup.
Fast bowler Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, left-arm spinner Sharafuddin Ashraf, and leg spinner Khalil Gurbaz, who made a mark in the recent domestic red-ball season, have been included in the Test squad.
Moreover, spin-bowling all-rounder Shahidullah Kamal has been added to both squads set to compete against Zimbabwe later this month. Additionally, fast bowlers Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai, Sediqullah Atal, and Shams Ur Rahman have been assigned to the reserve pool.
Meanwhile, middle-order batsman Ijaz Ahmadzai, who debuted in T20Is earlier in 2024, is making a return to the T20I team. He will join Shahidullah Kamal, who had a remarkable SCL season, in the T20I squad.
“Through our domestic cricket initiatives and high-performance center programs, we have been effectively executing our strategies in international cricket. As a result, we are now consistently engaged in bilateral series, and the outcomes of our long-term endeavors have been quite promising,” stated Naseeb Khan, CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board.
He elaborated, “Following the series against Bangladesh hosted by ACB, our national team will head to Zimbabwe to play a Test match and a T20I series against the home team. We also have a schedule lined up for series against other nations.”
Afghanistan’s Test Squad:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Abdul Malik, Afsar Zazai (WK), Ikram Alikhel (WK), Bahir Shah, Shahidullah Kamal, Ismat Alam, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Khalil Gurbaz, and Bashir Ahmad.
Reserves: Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai, Sediqullah Atal, and Shams Ur Rahman
Afghanistan’s T20I Squad:
Rashid Khan (C), Ibrahim Zadran (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Noor Ahmad, Mujaheed Ur Rahman, Bashir Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad Malik, and Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Reserves: AM Ghazanfar and Faridoon Dawoodzai
Point of View
The decision by the Afghanistan Cricket Board to rest Rashid Khan reflects a forward-thinking approach to player management. Prioritizing player health and performance is crucial for the long-term success and competitiveness of Afghanistan on the international stage.
NationPress
15/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Rashid Khan resting for the Test?
Rashid Khan is being rested as a precautionary measure to prioritize his well-being and ensure sustained performance in future international events.
Who will lead the Afghanistan team in the Test match?
Hashmatullah Shahidi will captain the Afghanistan team for the one-off Test match against Zimbabwe.
When does the Zimbabwe tour start?
The Zimbabwe tour for Afghanistan begins on October 20, featuring a Test match and a three-match T20I series.
Who are the notable inclusions in the squad?
Notable inclusions in the squad include Bashir Ahmad, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, and Shahidullah Kamal, who have recently excelled in domestic cricket.
What is the significance of this tour for Afghanistan?
This tour is significant as it presents an opportunity for Afghanistan to strengthen its performance and build momentum in international cricket.
