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The Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced its 15-member squad for the 19th Asian Games, which are scheduled to take place from September 23 in Hangzhou, China. Veteran Gulbadin has been brought back to lead the side, with Mohammad Shehzad being named as his vice-captain.
Also Read: Men's Cricket Schedule at Asian Games 2023
It is to be noted that Naib and Shehzad were both left out of Afghanistan’s squad for the ODI World Cup. While Naib last featured in Asia Cup 2023, which India won for the record eighth time, Mohammad Shahzad last represented Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup in 2021 against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi.
Fareed Ahmad and Karim Janat, two players who competed in the Asia Cup but weren't selected for the World Cup roster, have been included in the 15-man squad for the Games. Noor Ali Zadran, who last played a T20I six years ago, as well as the spin duo of Qais Ahmad and Zahir Khan have also been named in the side.
Additionally, Nangyal Kharoti, Mohammad Ibrahim, and Allah Noor Nasiri have been named as travelling reserves for the side.
Afghanistan's Men’s squad for Hangzhou Asian Games:
Gulbadin Naib (C), Mohammad Shahzad (VC & WK), Sediqullah Atal, Zubdaid Akbari, Noor Ali Zadran, Shahidullah Kamal, Afsar Zazai, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Karim Jannat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Nijat Masoud, Sayed Ahmad Shirzad, Qais Ahmad, and Zahir Khan.
Reserves: Nangyal Kharoti, Mohammad Ibrahim, and Allah Noor Nasiri
Due to Afghanistan’s superior ranking in the ICC T20I rankings, the side has qualified directly for the quarter-finals. The match is scheduled to take place on October 3-4, followed by the semi-finals on October 6 and the final on October 7.
