Afghanistan have confirmed a 17-man squad for the upcoming T20 Asia Cup 2025, with star leg-spinner Rashid Khan taking charge as captain. The tournament begins September 9 in the UAE, where Afghanistan will open their campaign against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi.
This year’s selection underscores Afghanistan’s tried-and-tested approach: a world-class spin attack backed by a steadily improving batting order.
Experienced Core with Fresh Faces
The squad blends senior figures with promising talent. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran headline the top order, while Darwish Rasooli and Karim Janat bring depth in the middle. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi returns alongside Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai, giving Afghanistan a strong all-round unit.
One of the more intriguing inclusions is AM Ghazanfar, a 19-year-old spinner who has already claimed two ODI five-wicket hauls. His presence bolsters an already fearsome spin contingent.
Spin Remains Afghanistan’s Trump Card
No side in the tournament is likely to match Afghanistan’s spin options. Rashid will be joined by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Ghazanfar, and Sharafuddin Ashraf, forming a five-pronged spin attack capable of dominating UAE conditions.
For pace, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq will lead the line, with Omarzai, Naib, and Fareed Malik adding seam depth.
Quiet Year, Busy Build-Up
Afghanistan enter the Asia Cup with relatively little T20I match practice, having played only three T20Is in the last year — a 2-1 series victory over Zimbabwe in December 2024. However, they’ll have a chance to sharpen up in a tri-nation T20I series in Sharjah against Pakistan and UAE before the Asia Cup begins.
Notably, Hazratullah Zazai and Zubaid Akbari miss out, while Nangeyalia Kharote has been demoted to the reserves. Both Ibrahim Zadran and Sharafuddin Ashraf return to the fold, adding experience to the group.
Group Stage Outlook
Placed in Group B with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong, Afghanistan will aim to replicate — and surpass — their impressive showing from the 2022 Asia Cup, where they stunned Sri Lanka in their opener but fell short of a finals berth.
Given their formidable spin arsenal and a more balanced batting order, Rashid’s men enter this edition as dark horses capable of upsetting Asia’s heavyweights.
Full Squad List
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’s opening clash against Hong Kong on September 9 sets the stage for what could be their most competitive Asia Cup yet.
