Afghanistan Cricket Board announces squads for ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka; Ibrahim Zadran named T20I captain

The Afghanistan Cricket Board's selection committee has announced the national squads for upcoming One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) series against Sri Lanka.

For the T20I series, Ibrahim Zadran has been appointed captain, replacing Rashid Khan. Zadran, previously the T20I vice-captain, will lead the team. Ahmad Shah Sulaimankhel, head of the selection committee, stated that Rashid Khan's captaincy tenure brought significant successes, including reaching the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, but the change aligns with long-term strategic vision and recent team management adjustments. Sulaimankhel expressed hope that Zadran will guide the team to new successes ahead of major tournaments like the World Cup.

Dropped from the T20I squad are fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi, all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, and wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq, all of whom featured in the previous T20 World Cup. New inclusions are wicketkeeper Noor Rahman, bowler Sharafuddin Ashraf, and Farid Ahmad Malak. Ziaurrahman Sharifi receives his first ODI call-up.

The T20I squad includes: Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Noor Rahman (wicketkeepers), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ziaurrahman Sharifi, Farid Ahmad Malak, and Abdullah Ahmadzai. Reserves: Nangyal Khort, Bilal Sami, and Eijaz Ahmadzai.

The ODI squad is led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, with Rahmat Shah as vice-captain. Wicketkeepers are Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ikram Alikhil. Players include Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Khort, Mohammad Ghazanfar, Ziaurrahman Sharifi, Farid Ahmad Malak, and Bilal Sami. Reserves: Qais Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Bashir Ahmad.

Both outlets note minor variations in player name spellings. The board is closely monitoring the regional situation and consulting stakeholders to determine if the series will proceed as scheduled, potentially in the UAE. A final decision is expected within days, with alternatives under consideration if needed.

Ariana News additionally reports the appointment of Richard Pybus as the new head coach, who is set to join ahead of the series.