The Asia Cup 2025 is set to take place in the UAE, with a total of eight teams participating in the tournament. Afghanistan has announced its squad for the upcoming competition, with Rashid Khan appointed as the captain. The team also includes experienced all-rounders like Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai.
Gurbaz and Zadran likely to open
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have been in excellent form for Afghanistan in recent matches, and they are expected to take on the opening responsibilities. The squad also features senior players such as Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib, who bring experience and stability to the team.
Naveen-ul-Haq returns to the squad
Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been included in the team and will lead Afghanistan’s pace attack. He last played a T20I match for Afghanistan in 2024 and has taken 67 wickets so far in his T20I career. Fazalhaq Farooqi has also been added to strengthen the pace department. In the spin unit, Afghanistan boasts a strong lineup with Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Allah Ghazanfar leading the attack.
Afghanistan to play first match on 9 September
Afghanistan will play its opening match of the T20 Asia Cup 2025 on 9 September against Hong Kong. The team will then face Bangladesh on 16 September, followed by its final group-stage match against Sri Lanka on 18 September. Afghanistan is placed in Group B for the tournament.
Afghanistan squad for Asia Cup 2025
Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Reserves: Wafiyullah Tarakhil, Nangyal Kharote, Abdullah Ahmadzai.