Asia Cup 2025: Afghanistan have officially unveiled their squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, blending proven veterans with exciting new faces. The side will be captained by their global superstar Rashid Khan, whose leadership will be central to Afghanistan’s campaign.
The team begins its journey with a high-stakes clash against Hong Kong, China on September 9, marking the opening fixture of the tournament.
A Balanced Squad with Experience and Youth
The 17-member squad features a mix of seasoned names and rising prospects:
- Rashid Khan (c) – Afghanistan’s talisman, both as a bowler and leader.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz & Ibrahim Zadran – Key batters expected to anchor the top order.
- Mohammad Nabi & Gulbadin Naib – Veteran all-rounders bringing stability and versatility.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman & Noor Ahmad – Spin wizards who add depth to an already formidable bowling attack.
- Emerging Stars – Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, and Mohammad Ishaq provide a glimpse of Afghanistan’s next generation.
Alongside them, pacers like Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Farid Malik offer firepower with the new ball.
Preparations Through Tri-Series
Before stepping into the Asia Cup spotlight, Afghanistan will sharpen their skills in a T20I tri-series against Pakistan and UAE, beginning August 29. This series serves as an ideal warm-up, giving younger players a chance to acclimatize to high-pressure games while allowing senior stars to fine-tune their form.
Why Afghanistan Could Be the Dark Horses
Over the past few years, Afghanistan has emerged as one of the most unpredictable yet dangerous sides in T20 cricket. Their strength lies in their world-class spin attack, capable of turning games on any surface. Rashid, Mujeeb, and Noor form a trio that even top batting line-ups often struggle against.
Meanwhile, the batting order, led by Gurbaz and Zadran, has shown signs of consistency a factor that could define their success in this tournament. All-rounders like Nabi and Omarzai add balance, making Afghanistan a well-rounded unit.