AFG vs PAK: Afghanistan announce squad for T20I series, Mohammad Nabi returns

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming home T20Is against Pakistan on Tuesday, March 21. In a significant change, the former captain Mohammad Nabi has been included in the three-match series starting on March 24. The 21-year-old uncapped batter Sediqullah Atal is in line to make his international debut.

The veteran batters Rahmat Shah and Hazratullah Zazai, who were part of the T20I squad against UAE last month, have been dropped from the team. Zahir Khan and Nijat Masood have been named in the reserves alongside Nangyal Kharoti. 

Nabi resigned from captaincy after Afghanistan’s poor show in the T20 World Cup 2022 but declared his intention to continue playing for the nation. However, the management shocked fans with Nabi’s name missing from the T20I squad against UAE. Rahmat Shah was recalled for the UAE tour but has been dropped again. 

Naseeb Khan, ACB CEO, has backed his team against Pakistan and said that the selectors had selected the best available players for the series. 

“Our team has been working hard in training camp, and selectors have selected the best players for the series. I am confident our team will perform at their best and make our nation proud. We wish our team the best of luck for the series and hope to see them emerge victorious.

“In addition, we look forward to an exciting competition between two great teams. Both nations have passionate fans who support their teams with enthusiasm and pride. As neighbors, we have a special bond and hope to showcase our cricketing skills and the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship. We wish both teams the best of luck and hope that cricket fans around the world will enjoy the games.”Naseeb said in an official statement.

Afghanistan Squad for T20Is against Pakistan: Rashid Khan (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Sediqullah Atal, Najibullah Zadran, 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.

Reserve players: Nangyal Kharoti, Zahir Khan, and Nijat Masoud.

All three games are scheduled to take place in UAE's Sharjah Cricket Stadium on March 24, 26, and 27.