New captain appointed as Afghanistan announce squad for India T20I tour

Afghanistan have announced their squad for the upcoming T20I tour of India.

Afghanistan’s upcoming three-match T20I series in India carries not only the promise of thrilling cricket but also a significant change in leadership. Ibrahim Zadran, the batter who recently led Afghanistan to a series win against UAE, has been appointed as the captain for India tour. This development follows a series of events involving the exclusion of players like Mujeeb Ur Rahman, whose return adds different dynamics.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman, the 22-year-old mystery spinner, is set to make a comeback to the national side after an eventful Big Bash League (BBL) stint with Melbourne Renegades. However, his BBL journey was abruptly halted when Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) revoked his No-objection Certificate (NoC) due to his refusal, along with Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, to sign central contracts for 2024. ACB’s strict stance resulted in the trio being labelled “non-eligible” for NOCs for the next two years, with ongoing NOCs also rescinded.

Afghanistan announce squad against India

Following discussions with the board, Farooqi and Naveen have featured in Afghanistan’s T20I series against the UAE, demonstrating a strong desire to represent their country. In Mujeeb’s case, India T20I series marks his return to T20Is since July 2023. The spin department, including Mujeeb, Rashid Khan, Qais Ahmad, and Noor Ahmad, reflects Afghanistan’s formidable bowling arsenal.

Despite full-time T20I captain Rashid Khan’s return, Afghanistan have named Ibrahim Zadran as the captain for the upcoming India T20I series. Zadran previously led Afghanistan in the recent T20Is against UAE, filling in for the absent Rashid. While Rashid is back in the squad, he won’t resume his role as captain, which looks surprising with the reason yet to be revealed by the ACB.

Notable exclusions from the squad are Mohammad Ishaq, Sediqullah Atal, and Darwish Rasooli, who were part of the T20I series in UAE. Rahmat Shah has retained his place in the squad. Gulbadin Naib and Alikhil, who were previously reserves in UAE series, have been promoted to the main squad.

The series will commence on January 11 in Mohali, with this being the last T20I series for both teams before the T20 World Cup, the encounters promise excitement and serve as a crucial prelude to the global tournament. As Afghanistan embraces a new captain and a formidable squad, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the unfolding drama on Indian soil.

Afghanistan T20I squad against India:

Ibrahim Zadran (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmaullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem, Qais Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan.

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