The Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 squad has officially been revealed by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), featuring 17 players with Rashid Khan taking charge as captain. The tournament begins on September 9 in the UAE, where Afghanistan will launch their campaign against Hong Kong.
The squad brings together experienced performers and fresh faces. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Sediqullah Atal are expected to anchor the top order, while Karim Janat and Darwish Rasooli will add firepower in the middle. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi returns to provide stability alongside Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai. One of the most exciting inclusions is 19-year-old AM Ghazanfar, who already has two ODI five-wicket hauls to his name.
Spin attack remains Afghanistan’s weapon
Afghanistan’s biggest strength remains its world-class spin department. Skipper Rashid Khan will be joined by Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf, and Ghazanfar, making Afghanistan’s spin attack one of the deadliest in the Asia Cup.
Fast-bowling and all-round balance
On the pace front, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq will lead the attack, with support from Omarzai and Naib, while Fareed Malik adds further depth. This mix of spin and seam gives Afghanistan a balanced bowling unit heading into the tournament.
Build-up and recent form
Afghanistan enter the Asia Cup with limited T20I exposure over the last year, having played only three matches — a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe in December 2024. To sharpen their form, they will feature in a triangular series in Sharjah against Pakistan and the UAE before the main event. Notably, Hazratullah Zazai and Zubaid Akbari miss out, while spinner Nangeyalia Kharote is named among the reserves.
Group stage battles ahead
Placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong, Afghanistan will aim to replicate their spirited performance from the 2022 Asia Cup, where they shocked Sri Lanka in the opener but narrowly missed the final. With a stronger batting lineup and arguably the best spin attack of the tournament, Rashid Khan’s men are confident of making a deep run this year.
Read More: Rashid Khan Breaks T20I Record in Sharjah Victory
Full squad list
Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 squad: Rashid Khan (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Reserves: Wafiullah Tarakhil, Nangeyalia Kharote, Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Afghanistan will begin their Asia Cup 2025 journey on September 9 against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi, with high hopes of turning their spin strength into tournament success.
