The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Sunday announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 which will be held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 30.
The fast bowling duo of Mohammad Saleem Safi and Wafadar Momand, who were part of Afghanistan’s recent ODI tour to Bangladesh, has retained their spots in the line-up. Left-arm spinner Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, who recently made his ODI debut against Bangladesh and the uncapped Leggie Izharulhaq Naveed have been left out of the squad for the Pakistan series. All-rounder Karim Janat on Sunday returned to Afghanistan’s ODI squad after a gap of six years and the selectors also included seasoned left-handed batter Najibullah Zadran in the 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. Hashmatullah Shahidi, a solid left-handed batter and who is known for anchoring the innings, will lead the team in the tournament will be played from August 30 to September 17 in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Mohammad Saleem Safi and Abdul Rahman, two fast bowlers, who were part of Afghanistan’s recent home ODI series against Pakistan, have retained their spots in the squad, but Fareed Ahmad and Wafadar Momand have been left out. Azmatullah Omarzai, a seam-bowling all-rounder, has been ruled out of the competition due to a side strain. Gulbadin Naib and Janat have been added to the team to serve as backup all-rounders. Sharafuddin Ashraf, a left-arm spin bowling all-rounder, has also been included as a reserve spinner. Zadran, who missed the recently-concluded Pakistan series due to a knee injury, has been included in the team and is expected to recover from the injury prior to the start of the event. Shahidullah Kamal, who had replaced him in the series against Pakistan, has been left out of the Asia Cup squad.
