On Tuesday, March 21, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) released the 17-person roster for the upcoming domestic T20I match against Pakistan. The three-match series beginning on March 24 includes the previous captain Mohammad Nabi, which is a huge change. Sediqullah Atal, a 21-year-old uncapped batter, is expected to make his international debut.
Rahmat Shah and Hazratullah Zazai, two seasoned hitters who were a part of the T20I squad that competed against UAE last month, have been removed from the lineup. Together with Nangyal Kharoti, Zahir Khan and Nijat Masood have been named to the reserves.
After Afghanistan’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2022, Nabi resigned as captain but stated that he will still play for his country.
Fans were shocked by the management’s decision to leave Nabi’s name off the T20I team against the UAE. For the UAE tour, Rahmat Shah was called back in, however he has since been released.
The ACB CEO, Naseeb Khan, supported his team’s matchup with Pakistan and claimed that the selectors had chosen the best players available for the series.
“Our team has been working hard in training camp, and the series’ best players have been chosen by the selectors. I have faith that our team will deliver their best effort and honor our country. We wish our squad the best of luck and anticipate seeing them win the series.
“In addition, we anticipate a thrilling matchup between two top clubs. Both nations have ardent sports fans who proudly and enthusiastically back their teams. We have a special link because we are neighbors, and we intend to demonstrate both our cricketing prowess and the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. We wish both sides luck and anticipate that the matches will be enjoyable for cricket lovers everywhere. In an official statement, Naseeb remarked.
Afsar Zazai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fareed Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, and Naveen Ul Haq make up the Afghanistan squad for the T20 Internationals against Pakistan. Rashid Khan will captain the team.
Nangyal Kharoti, Zahir Khan, and Nijat Masoud are the reserves.
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates will host all three games on March 24, 26, and 27.