Following the announcement of the major teams, Afghanistan Cricket Board also announced their 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. As expected, their new skipper Gulbadin Naib will take charge of the team during the grand event. Much like any other team, they have made a few surprise inclusions and exclusions to the team.
They went with their experienced and the regular opener Mohammad Shahzad to take the opening slot alongside Hazratullal Zazai and Noor Ali Zadran. Ihsanullah Janet was unfortunate to miss out a world cup spot, who has been their third opener for a while.
Hazratullah Zazai gets the nod:
The seniors like Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran also found a place in the team for the grand event. The former skipper Asghar Afghans, who led the team during ICC World Cup 2018 qualifiers alongside Rashid Khan has found a place but only as a team member.
Hashmatullah Shahidi, who recently impressed with his brilliant knocks for the team in middle overs also found the place while Samiullah Shinwari managed to get a spot to his name.
In the all-rounder category, the captain Gulbadin Naib himself finds a place as a fast-bowling all-rounder while Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan will head into the tournament as their match-winners.
The other mystery spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman also got the nod despite missing out a place in the Test victory against Ireland. The fast bowling department will be looked by Dawlat Zadran alongside Aftab Alam. Hamid Hasan is the other youngster, who got the nod.
”As chief selector, It is my duty to select a competitive team. However, there were some challenges that we needed to handle. We selected the best squad considering quite a few factors. Such as experience, fitness, team balance, current form and conditions. We hope to play great cricket without any fear. And, with a fighting spirit in the tournament,” Ahmadzazai said.
Also, here is Afghanistan 15-man squad for ICC World Cup 2019:
Gulbadin Naib (C), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai. Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran. Samiullah Shinwari, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan and Mujeeb ur Rahman.