Rashid Khan Rested for One-Off Test Against Zimbabwe, Returns to Lead Afghanistan in T20I Series
Afghanistan's star spinner Rashid Khan has been rested for the upcoming one-off Test against Zimbabwe, scheduled to begin on October 20 in Harare. According to a statement released by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), the decision was made as a "precautionary measure to prioritise his well-being and sustained performance for upcoming international events."
Rashid, however, will return to captain the national side in the three-match T20I series starting October 29, also in Harare.
With Rashid sitting out the red-ball fixture, Afghanistan’s selectors have opted for a mix of fresh faces and familiar names. Right-arm fast bowler Ziaur Rahman, left-arm spinner Sharafuddin Ashraf, and legspinner Khalil Gurbaz – all of whom impressed during the recent domestic red-ball season – have been included in the Test squad.
Left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Shahidullah has earned a place in both the Test and T20I squads, thanks to his consistent domestic performances. Left-arm pacer Bashir Ahmad, who featured in recent white-ball games against Bangladesh, also retains his spot in the Test team.
Test captain Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead a squad that includes the likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Bahir Shah, and wicketkeepers Afsar Zazai and Ikram Alikhil.
In the T20I setup, Rashid resumes leadership duties with Ibrahim Zadran serving as his deputy. Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai has earned a recall after debuting in 2024, while seasoned players Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad strengthen the squad. Fast bowlers Fareed Malik and Abdullah Ahmadzai round out the pace attack.
The full tour will run from October 20 to November 2, with all matches taking place in Harare.
Afghanistan Test Squad:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Abdul Malik, Afsar Zazai (wk), Ikram Alikhel (wk), Bahir Shah, Shahidullah, Ismat Alam, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Ziaur Rahman Akbar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Khalil Gurbaz, Bashir Ahmad
Reserves: Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai, Sediqullah Atal, Shams Ur Rahman
Afghanistan T20I Squad:
Rashid Khan (capt), Ibrahim Zadran (vice-capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Bashir Ahmad, Fareed Malik, Abdullah Ahmadzai
Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Faridoon Dawoodzai