Mujeeb, Ghazanfar Return as Afghanistan Announce Full-Strength Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan have named a strong 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, with key spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar returning to bolster the attack. The squad, announced on Sunday (August 24), marks a full-strength lineup for the tournament, which begins next month.
Mujeeb and 17-year-old offspinner Ghazanfar, both of whom missed the Champions Trophy earlier this year, rejoin a formidable spin department led by captain Rashid Khan and veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi. Their inclusion strengthens an already spin-heavy side as Afghanistan prepares for subcontinental conditions.
Also making a return is opener Ibrahim Zadran, who featured in the Champions Trophy earlier this year. His comeback means Hazratullah Zazai has been left out of the squad.
The batting unit will be anchored by Darwish Rasooli and Sediqullah Atal, while the wicketkeeping responsibilities will be shared between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Ishaq.
Afghanistan continue to rely on a balanced group of all-rounders. Alongside the experienced Nabi, the squad features Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, and Gulbadin Naib — all of whom add depth in both departments.
The pace attack will be led by left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi, with support from Farid Ahmad Malik and Naveen-ul-Haq. Interestingly, if selected in the playing XI, this will be Naveen’s first appearance for Afghanistan in 2025, following his retirement from the ODI format. However, the Asia Cup, likely to be played in the T20 format as a precursor to the 2026 T20 World Cup, makes him available.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has also named three travelling reserves: Wafiullah Tarakhail, Nangyal Kharote, and Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Before the Asia Cup, Afghanistan will take part in a T20 tri-series involving Pakistan and the UAE, which will serve as vital preparation and is expected to feature most of the selected squad.
Afghanistan will kick off their Asia Cup campaign in the tournament opener against Hong Kong on September 9.
Afghanistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Farid Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq
Travelling Reserves: Wafiullah Tarakhail, Nangyal Kharote, Abdullah Ahmadzai