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Afghanistan Cricket Board (AFG) has announced the 16-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Ireland, beginning August 09.
The T20I leg will come in handy regarding their preparation for the Asia Cup and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. Notably, all the five T20Is are scheduled to be played in Belfast.
Star spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman has been named on the reserve list as he is awaiting his visa. Once the problem is resolved, the mystery spinner will be included in the main squad. Mohammad Nabi will continue leading the side, which features stars like Rashid Khan.
The likes of Fareed Ahmad, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ibrahim Zadran, and Naveen-ul-Haq, have all made their comeback to the outfit.
Youngster Noor Ahmad, who represented Afghanistan at this year’s ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, has retained his spot. In his only T20I match against Zimbabwe in Harare in June, Ahmad had taken a four-wicket haul.
“We have had good results in our recent tours, the squad has done well recently, and we are looking forward to having good results again in our next series against Ireland,” said ACB Chief Selector Noor Malikza in a statement.
“Mujeeb’s visa is not yet issued, and thus, he has been added to reserve players. Once the problem is resolved, he will be included back in the main squad,” he added.
Afghanistan Squad for Ireland series:
Mohammad Nabi (c), Afsar Zazai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Darwish Rasooli, Farid Ahmad Malik, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran, Karim Janat, Najibullah Zadran, Naveen ul Haq, Noor Ahmad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan and Sharafuddin Ashraf.
Reserves: Mujeeb ur Rahman, Nijat Masoud, Qais Ahmad, and Usman Ghani.
Fixtures:
- August 09 – 1st T20I, Belfast
- August 11 – 2nd T20I, Belfast
- August 12 – 3rd T20I, Belfast
- August 15 – 4th T20I, Belfast
- August 17 – 5th T20I, Belfast
