Rashid Khan has been included in Afghanistan’s Test squad for upcoming Zimbabwe tour
Rashid Khan has been included in Afghanistan’s squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Zimbabwe.
The 26-year-old last played Test cricket in 2021 against Zimbabwe and had recently stepped away from the format due to a persistent groin injury.
The 18-member squad, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, features seven uncapped players, including left-arm seamer Bashir Ahmad and allrounder Ismat Alam, who earned their places with strong performances in domestic cricket.
Also included are the uncapped trio of Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Riaz Hassan, and Sediqullah Atal, who were initially selected for a one-off Test against New Zealand in September, a match that was canceled due to rain and a wet outfield.
“Rashid Khan’s return to the Test squad is a promising sign for our red-ball cricket going forward,” said Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, ACB’s interim chief selector.
“The team has undergone solid preparations in Nangarhar province with 19 players and support staff, ensuring they are fully ready for the series.”
The squad also includes newcomers Ismat Alam, Bashir Ahmad, and Zahir Shehzad, who performed well in the recent Ahmad Shah Abdali first-class tournament.
Hamid Hassan will serve as the head coach for the series in the absence of Jonathan Trott, who is missing due to personal reasons.
Both Tests of the series will be held in Bulawayo, starting on Boxing Day.
Afghanistan Squad:
| Player Name |
|---|
| Hashmatullah Shahidi (c) |
| Rahmat Shah (vc) |
| Ikram Alikhail (wk) |
| Afsar Zazai (wk) |
| Riaz Hassan |
| Sediqullah Atal |
| Abdul Malik |
| Baheer Shah Mahboob |
| Ismat Alam |
| Azmatullah Omarzai |
| Zahir Khan |
| Zia Ur Rehman Akbar |
| Zahir Shehzad |
| Rashid Khan |
| Yamin Ahmadzai |
| Bashir Ahmad Afghan |
| Naveed Zadran |
| Fareed Ahmad Malik |
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