- Afghanistan unveils squad for ICC World Cup 2023, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi.
- Naveen-ul-Haq makes a comeback; Gulbadin Naib left out despite strong Asia Cup performance.
- Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb ur Rahman anchor the spin attack; tournament to commence in India from October 5.
Afghanistan has unveiled its squad for the highly anticipated ICC World Cup 2023, setting the stage for an exciting cricketing spectacle in India. Leading the charge will be top-order batsman Hashmatullah Shahidi, who will assume the captain’s role and carry the hopes of the Afghan nation.
One notable inclusion in the Afghanistan ODI squad for the World Cup is the return of Naveen-ul-Haq, marking his comeback after a two-year absence from international cricket. However, the decision not to select senior all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, despite his impressive performance in the ongoing Asia Cup, has raised eyebrows. The squad for the World Cup features four changes from the team currently participating in the Asia Cup, as Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Suliman Safi, and Naib are omitted.
Afghanistan’s spin bowling attack remains a formidable force with the presence of seasoned campaigners such as Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad. In the pace department, the team will rely on the talents of Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, and Azmatullah Omarzai to deliver crucial breakthroughs.
The ICC World Cup 2023 is set to captivate cricket enthusiasts as it unfolds in India, with ten teams vying for the coveted title across ten venues. The tournament is scheduled to run from October 5 to November 19, with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosting both the opener and the final.
In a round-robin format, all teams will engage in 45 league matches. The top four teams will earn a ticket to the semifinals, slated for November 15 in Mumbai and November 16 in Kolkata, with reserve days allocated for these critical encounters.
Afghanistan World Cup 2023 Squad:
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Riaz Hassan
- Rahmat Shah
- Najibullah Zadran
- Mohammad Nabi
- Ikram Alikhil
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Rashid Khan
- Mujeeb ur Rahman
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Abdul Rahman
- Naveen ul Haq
The cricketing world eagerly awaits the World Cup showdown, where Afghanistan’s formidable squad aims to make its mark on the grand stage.
