The Afghanistan T20I squad is a formidable unit that has rapidly ascended in global cricket, highlighted by their recent semi-final appearance in the T20 World Cup 2024. Led by their world-renowned spinner Rashid Khan, the team boasts a dynamic blend of explosive batsmen like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, versatile all-rounders such as Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai, and a potent bowling attack spearheaded by their strong spin contingent including Rashid himself, Noor Ahmad, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (when available), complemented by improving pace options like Fazalhaq Farooqi. Their fearless approach and continuous development make them a compelling force and a tough opponent for any team in the T20 format.
| PLAYER NAME | ROLE | STYLE | JERSEY NUMBER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rashid Khan (Captain) | Bowler | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Legbreak Googly | 19 |
| Najibullah Zadran (Vice Captain) | Batter | Batting: Left-hand bat Bowling: Right-arm off-break | 1 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | Allrounder | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Medium fast | 9 |
| Fareed Ahmad | Bowler | Batting: Left-hand bat Bowling: Left arm Fast medium | 56 |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Bowler | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Left arm Fast medium | 5 |
| Gulbadin Naib | Batter | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Medium fast | 14 |
| Ibrahim Zadran | Batter | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Medium fast | 17 |
| Karim Janat | Bowler | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Medium | 11 |
| Mohammad Nabi | Allrounder | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right-arm off-break | 7 |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | Bowler | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right-arm off-break | 88 |
| Naveen-ul-Haq | Bowler | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Medium fast | 78 |
| Nangyal Kharoti | Allrounder | Batting: Left-hand Bat Bowling: Slow Left arm Orthodox | |
| Noor Ahmad | Bowler | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Left arm Wrist spin | 15 |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Wicketkeeper | Batting: Right-hand bat | 21 |
| Mohammed Ishaq | Wicketkeeper | Batting: Right-hand bat | – |
| Darwish Rasooli | Batter | Batting: Right-Handed Bowling: Right arm Offbreak | – |
| Hashmatullah Shahidi | Batter | Batting: Left-handed Bowling: Right-arm off-break | 50 |
| Hazratullah Zazai | Batter | Batting: Left-handed Bowling: Slow left-arm orthodox | 3 |
| Rahmat Shah | Allrounder | Batting: Right-Handed Bowling: Legbreak Googly | 8 |
| Usman Ghani | Batter | Batting: Right-Handed | 87 |
| Samiullah Shinwari | Allrounder | Batting: Right-Handed Bowling: Legbreak | 45 |
| Sharafuddin Ashraf | Allrounder | Batting: Right-Handed Bowling: Slow Left arm Orthodox | 17 |
| Shahidullah | Allrounder | Batting: Left-handed Bowling: Left-arm orthodox | 25 |
| Wafadar Momand | Role | Batting: Right-handed Bowling: Right-arm medium | 99 |
| Qais Ahmad | Bowler | Batting: Right-Handed Bowling: Legbreak | 11 |
| Sediqullah Atal | Batter | Batting: Left hand Bat | 50 |
| Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai | Allrounder | Batting: Right hand Bat Bowling: Right arm Medium | |
| Zubaid Akbari | Batting Allrounder | Batting: Left hand Bat Bowling: Slow Left arm Orthodox |
ABOUT THE AFGHANISTAN T20I SQUAD
Captain – Rashid Khan
Vice Captain – Najibullah Zadran
Head Coach – Jonathan Trott
Batting /Bowling Coach – Andrew Puttick, Hamid Hassan
Fielding/Assistant Coach – Shane McDermott, R Sridhar
Key Events and Upcoming Schedule
Afghanistan’s recent strong performances include a successful run in the ODI World Cup 2023 and a historic semi-final appearance in the T20 World Cup 2024. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will mark their maiden participation in this prestigious tournament. They are placed in Group B alongside cricketing powerhouses South Africa, Australia, and England. Their campaign kicks off on February 21 against South Africa in Karachi, followed by matches against England on February 26 and Australia on February 28, both in Lahore.
Their action-packed schedule for 2025 also includes:
- Away Tour of Ireland (July 2025): 1 Test, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20Is.
- Away Tour of Pakistan (August 2025): A three-match T20I series.
- Asia Cup 2025 (October 2025 in India): Afghanistan is in Group B with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, serving as crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026.
- Away Tour of Zimbabwe (October and November 2025): 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20Is.
Records and Achievements
Afghanistan’s rise in cricket is underscored by significant achievements:
- ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Finished sixth, securing memorable victories over England, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. They also defeated Pakistan in an ODI series.
- ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024: Reached their first-ever semi-final, overcoming Australia, Bangladesh, and New Zealand.
- Player of the Series Awards:
- Ibrahim Zadran was the Player of the Series in the last Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup, scoring 323 runs.
- Sediqullah Atal was the Player of the Series in a recent ODI series against Zimbabwe, scoring 156 runs.
- Domestic Tournament Wins: Band-e-Amir Region, captained by Hashmatullah Shahidi, won the last edition of the Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup.
Famous Players
- Ibrahim Zadran: A star batter and prolific opener, Player of the Series in the last domestic T20 Cup, expected to partner Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top.
- Hashmatullah Shahidi: Captain of the national squad and a successful domestic captain.
- Rashid Khan: A world-renowned “star tweaker” (spinner) and a crucial team member.
- Mohammad Nabi: An important all-rounder.
- AM Ghazanfar: A “mystery spinner” included in the Champions Trophy squad in place of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who is focusing on T20s for recovery.
- Sediqullah Atal: A fast-rising opener who earned his spot in the Champions Trophy squad due to impressive performances.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: A “swashbuckling opener” who will form a formidable opening pair with Ibrahim Zadran.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi: Identified as the “pace spearhead” of the bowling unit.
FAQs
Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the Afghanistan squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Rahmat Shah has been named as the vice-captain for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad.
Jonathan Trott will continue as Afghanistan’s head coach until the end of 2025. In his absence, Hamid Hassan serves as head coach, with Nawroz Mangal as assistant coach.
Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has been appointed as the team mentor for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Yes, this will mark Afghanistan’s maiden participation in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy.
The tournament is scheduled between February 19 and March 9, primarily in Pakistan, with some matches potentially in the United Arab Emirates.
Afghanistan has been placed in Group B alongside South Africa, Australia, and England.
February 21 against South Africa at the National Stadium in Karachi.
February 26 against England at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
February 28 against Australia at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Recent Performance and Achievements
Afghanistan finished in sixth place, securing victories over England, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Netherlands.
They achieved a historic milestone by reaching their first-ever semi-final, defeating Australia, Bangladesh, and New Zealand.
Ibrahim Zadran was declared the Player of the Series for his 323 runs.
Sediqullah Atal was adjudged the Player of the Series for scoring 156 runs, including a century and a half-century.
Band-e-Amir Region, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, defeated Mis Ainak Region by 23 runs to win the trophy.
Upcoming Matches and Tours
Away Tour of Ireland (July 2025): 1 Test, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20Is.
Away Tour of Pakistan (August 2025): A three-match T20I series.
The 17th edition of the men’s Asia Cup is scheduled for October 2025 in India. Afghanistan will be in Group B with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Afghanistan will tour Zimbabwe for 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20Is, in addition to a tour already planned for December 2024 and January 2025.
Notable Players
Doctors have advised him to focus on T20s for full recovery before returning to ODIs.
AM Ghazanfar, a “mystery spinner,” was included.
The 15-member squad includes Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, and Naveed Zadran.