Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has unveiled a 17-member squad for the upcoming men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, with star all-rounder Rashid Khan set to captain the side.

The tournament will be held in the United Arab Emirates from September 9, where Afghanistan open their campaign against Hong Kong.

The squad features a balance of experienced names and emerging talent. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Sediqullah Atal strengthen the top order, while Darwish Rasooli and Karim Janat add depth in the middle.

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Veteran Mohammad Nabi returns to bolster the all-round department alongside Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai. Rising spinner AM Ghazanfar, 19, who already has two ODI five-wicket hauls, is one of the most exciting inclusions.

Spin department

Afghanistan’s greatest strength remains its spin attack. Rashid will be supported by Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ghazanfar, and Sharafuddin Ashraf – making it arguably the most formidable spin unit in the tournament.

Afghanistan T20I team during national anthem

Fast-bowling responsibilities will fall on Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, with support from Omarzai and Naib as pace-bowling all-rounders. Fareed Malik adds further depth to the seam department.

Preparations and recent form

Afghanistan head into the Asia Cup with limited recent T20I experience, having played just three matches in the past 12 months — a 2-1 series win against Zimbabwe in December 2024. Ahead of the Asia Cup, they will feature in a triangular T20I series in Sharjah against Pakistan and UAE.

Notably missing from the squad are Hazratullah Zazai and Zubaid Akbari, while spinner Nangeyalia Kharote has been moved to reserves. Ibrahim Zadran and Sharafuddin Ashraf return to strengthen the side.

Group stage challenge

Afghanistan are placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong. With their spin-heavy attack and a strengthened batting core, Rashid’s men will look to improve on their strong showing from the 2022 Asia Cup, where they stunned Sri Lanka in the opener but fell short of making the final.

Full squad

Afghanistan squad for Asia Cup 2025: Rashid Khan (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Reserves: Wafiullah Tarakhil, Nangeyalia Kharote, Abdullah Ahmadzai.

Afghanistan will kick off their Asia Cup journey against Hong Kong on September 9 in Abu Dhabi.