Afghanistan have announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 and star allrounder Rashid Khan has been named the unit's captain.
Power-hitter Hazratullah Zazai is the notable absentee but the team has a fine balance of youth and experience. The outfit has five frontline bowlers in the form of Noor Ahmad, Naveen Ul Haq, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Their bowling attack, therefore, has plenty of variety. While Noor is a left-arm wrist spinner, Mujeeb is a mystery spinner capable of bowling a wrong'un, carrom ball and has other variations at his disposal.
Farid and Fazal Haq are left-arm pacers whereas Naveen is a right-arm medium pace bowler.
On the batting front, Afghanistan selectors have named four specialist batters. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, and wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq will carry the responsibility of the batting order on their shoulders.
The team will rely on its allrounders for the heavy lifting. The all-round department is headed by the skipper Rashid Khan and comprises Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat and Nangeyalia Kharote.
Notably, eight Afghan players are currently involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and are playing their trade for their respective franchises.
Gulbadin Naib (Delhi Capitals), Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans), Noor Ahmad (Gujarat Titans), Azmatullah Omarzai (Gujarat Titans), Mohammad Nabi (Mumbai Indians), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Kolkata Knight Riders), Naveen Ul Haq (Lucknow Super Giants) and Fazal Haq Farooqi (Sunrisers Hyderabad).
Afghanistan are in a tough group and face stiff competition from New Zealand and West Indies. The top two teams from the group will advance to the Super 8 stage and hence Afghanistan will have to be at the top of their game to finish in the top two.
Afghanistan squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad Naveen ul Haq, Fazal Haq Farooqui, Fareed Ahmad Malik
