Hashmatullah Shahidi will be in charge as Afghanistan announce their 2025 Champions Trophy squad.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to break the eight-year hiatus, which begins on February 19 with the hosts Pakistan taking over New Zealand at the opening of the tournament. This highly anticipated event will feature eight elite teams competing in 15 exciting matches over 19 days. As the deadline for submitting provisional rosters to the ICC approaches, Afghanistan have joined England, New Zealand and Bangladesh in the official announcement of his composition for the prestigious tournament. This marks Afghanistan’s first appearance in the Champions Trophy, a testament to their incredible rise in international cricket.
Afghanistan are gearing up for a historic debut under Hashmatullah Shahidi
Hashmatullah Shahidian experienced batsman and tactician, will lead Afghanistan in this historic campaign. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed a balanced composition of 15 members accompanied by a traveling reserve. The team boasts a mix of experienced batsmen and up-and-coming talent, reflecting Afghanistan’s growing depth in cricketing prowess.
The squad includes stalwarts like Ibrahim Zadrana consistent performer in the top order known for anchoring innings with flair, and Rahmanullah Gurbazan explosive wicketkeeper-batsman who has proved instrumental in providing quick starts at the top of the order. Adding extra strength to the batting line-up are players like Sediqullah Atala promising young batsman with the potential to make a significant impact, and Rahmat Shah, whose calm and composed approach in the middle order has been the cornerstone of Afghanistan’s ODI success.
Spin power led by Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi
Afghanistan’s spin department, a key asset for the team, will be led Rashid Khanone of the world’s leading players with vast experience in franchise and international cricket. Support him Mohammad Nabian experienced all-rounder who brings leadership, ball control and a wealth of experience in high-pressure tournaments. Together, they form a formidable spin duo capable of tiring out the world’s best batsmen, especially on subcontinental pitches. Versatile versatile devices Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai bring crucial balance to the side, offering power-hitting options in the lower order and reliable medium-pace options with the ball. Meanwhile Mujeeb Ur Rahman he failed to find a place in the Afghan squad.
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The momentum of recent success
Afghanistan will enter the Champions Trophy on the back of impressive performances in recent ICC events. Their campaign at the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup demonstrated their ability to compete with top teams, while their semi-final run at the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup highlighted their growth as a force to be reckoned with in limited-overs cricket number of players. With in-form players and a well-rounded squad, Afghanistan are poised to make an impact in their Champions Trophy debut.
This historic performance represents a major milestone for Afghanistan cricket, highlighting their journey from associate status to competing in one of the ICC’s most prestigious tournaments. Cricket fans and enthusiasts will eagerly await their performance on this global stage.
Afghanistan squad for Champions Trophy 2025:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran.
Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami
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