The Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced a 22-member preliminary squad for the Asia Cup 2025, showing full support for captain Rashid Khan despite recent form concerns. Rashid, who skipped the MLC for recovery, remains central to the team’s strategy. The squad features a strong mix of youth and experience, including promising pacers, as Afghanistan gears up for a competitive campaign in the UAE from September 9 to 28.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced its 22-member preliminary squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, to be held in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28. The squad features a balanced mix of seasoned performers and exciting young talent. However, the biggest headline is not just about who's in the team, but the strong backing of Rashid Khan, despite recent scrutiny over his form.
Afghanistan's star all-rounder and captain has faced questions following a quiet IPL season, where he managed only nine wickets and struggled with economy. Yet, the ACB has stood firmly behind their talisman, making it clear that Rashid remains central to their plans. Skipping Major League Cricket (MLC) this year, Rashid chose rest and recovery—a decision interpreted as strategic ahead of the major tournament.
Dismissing any doubts about their captain's place, ACB selector Mir Mubariz said, "Rashid Khan is Afghanistan's superstar. Form is temporary, but his ability to bounce back on the big stage is unmatched." This confidence reflects both the board's trust and Rashid's reputation as a game-changer—especially in high-pressure tournaments like the Asia Cup 2025.
His leadership, experience, and ability to deliver in crunch situations make him an invaluable asset. Afghanistan's decision to publicly back their captain could play a vital role in boosting team morale and ensuring their leader takes the field with renewed confidence.
Mubariz further confirmed that the Afghanistan Cricket Board will conduct a two-week training camp ahead of the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I series featuring Pakistan and UAE. Following this series, the team will shift its focus to the Asia Cup 2025, where Afghanistan is placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong.
While Rashid grabs the spotlight, the rest of the squad also demands attention. Afghanistan's preliminary lineup boasts depth in both pace and spin. The camp ahead of the tournament will help finalize the squad, with selectors keeping an eye on form, fitness, and performance.
Young pacers like Abdullah Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad, and the returning Salim Safi add firepower to the bowling attack. Mubariz emphasized their potential, noting that "they can all bowl around 140 km/h," offering variety and aggression in the pace department.
Rashid Khan (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Nangyal Kharoti, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, AM Ghazanfar, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Naveen ul Haq, Farid Malik, Bashir Ahmad, Saleem Safi, Abdullah Ahmadzai.
With their Asia Cup campaign just weeks away, Afghanistan looks poised for a strong run. Backing Rashid Khan despite his recent struggles sends a clear message: they trust their leader when it matters most. With a promising mix of youth and experience, and a point to prove, Afghanistan could be one of the dark horses of the tournament.
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