Afghanistan announces their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad, with star opener Ibrahim Zadran included but Mujeeb Ur Rahman left out due to recovery concerns.
New Delhi: Afghanistan unveiled their squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday, January 12. As they make their historic debut in the tournament, the squad, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, features star opener Ibrahim Zadran, but notably, spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman was left out.
Zadran’s Comeback and Mujeeb’s Exclusion
Ibrahim Zadran, who last played international cricket in March 2024, has made a successful return after recovering from an ankle injury. On the other hand, Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s exclusion from the squad came as a surprise, especially considering his stellar ODI stats and his strong return to T20Is against Zimbabwe last month.
Afghanistan’s Optimism Ahead of Champions Trophy
ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf praised the Afghanistan team for their impressive performances in the 2023 Cricket World Cup and ICC World T20 2024, highlighting their ODI series victories as a morale booster heading into the Champions Trophy 2025.
Mentorship and Strategy for the Champions Trophy
The appointment of mentors, including Younis Khan, has proven beneficial for Afghanistan’s success in recent events. With Khan’s vast experience, the team is hopeful for an even better performance in the upcoming tournament.
Mujeeb’s Absence and Recovery Plan
Afghanistan’s Interim Chief Selector, Ahmad Suliman Khil, clarified that Mujeeb Ur Rahman missed out on the squad due to medical advice. His doctor has recommended that he focus on T20s to ensure a full recovery before returning to ODIs, which also led to his absence in the recent ODI series against Zimbabwe.
Afghanistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran and Farid Ahmad Malik.
Afghanistan’s Reserve Players for Champions Trophy
Afghanistan’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 also includes reserve players: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, and Bilal Sami.
Afghanistan’s Group Stage Fixtures
Afghanistan has been placed in Group B alongside Australia, England, and South Africa. They will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign on February 21.
