Rashid Khan to lead Afghanistan squad in Asia Cup 2025

WEB DESK: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially unveiled a 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, with star leg-spinner Rashid Khan set to lead the side.

Also read: PCB unveils Pakistan squads for Tri-Nation T20 Series, Asia Cup

The squad features a strong mix of youth and experience. Dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz and consistent top-order performer Ibrahim Zadran headline the batting department, supported by Darwish Rasuli and Siddiqullah Atul. The middle order will see power-hitters like Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Jannat, and veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi providing stability and firepower.

The pace and spin attacks look equally balanced. Gulbadin Naib, Naveen-ul-Haq, Farid Ahmed Malik, and Fazal Haq Farooqi bring variety to the pace unit, while the spin department will rely heavily on Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, Noor Ahmad, Sharafuddin Ashraf, and the promising youngster AM Ghazanfar.

Also making the cut is Mohammad Ishaq, who adds depth and versatility to the Asia Cup squad.

Before the Asia Cup kicks off, the Afghan team will sharpen their skills in a tri-nation series, giving them a valuable opportunity to fine-tune combinations and build momentum. With Rashid Khan at the helm and a squad brimming with talent, Afghanistan will be aiming to make a serious impact on the continental stage.

PAKISTAN INDIA CLASH ALL SET TO HAPPEN

The recent statements by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had initially raised concerns over whether Pakistan and India teams will be playing. However, earlier this week, the Indian government has formally clarified its stance on sporting ties with Pakistan, announcing that while bilateral series remain off the table, both countries will face each other in multilateral tournaments such as the Asia Cup.

According to the new guidelines issued by the Indian sports ministry on Thursday, India will not allow its teams to tour Pakistan, nor will it host bilateral fixtures with Pakistani teams on home soil. However, it will abide by international sporting norms in the case of multilateral events.

Also read: Record-breaking ad rates for Pakistan-India Asia Cup clash spark media frenzy

“Indian teams and individual players will take part in international events that also have teams or players from Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in such multilateral events hosted by India,” the policy said.