Ibrahim Zadran set to lead Afghanistan in India T20I series
What's the story
Ibrahim Zadran is set to lead Afghanistan in their upcoming three-match T20I series against India. The series will kick off on September 13 at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi. A full-strength Afghanistan squad has been named, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Rashid Khan. Naveen-ul-Haq also returned after undergoing surgery for a stress fracture in his right shoulder.
Team update
Naveen-ul-Haq returns to bolster fast bowling attack
The Afghanistan squad for the series against India also sees the return of fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq. He was previously ruled out due to a stress fracture in his right shoulder.
This had ruled him out of the Asia Cup last year and the ICC T20 World Cup earlier this year.
His inclusion will strengthen Afghanistan's fast bowling department alongside Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai.
New talent
Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman included
The Afghanistan squad also includes uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman as the second wicketkeeper.
His inclusion comes after impressive performances in domestic cricket and the Shpageeza Cricket League.
The team also has an experienced spin-bowling group comprising Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Nangyal Kharoti, with senior all-rounder Mohammad Nabi adding experience and balance.
Reserves announced
Reserves named for the series against India
Afghanistan's selectors have named Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal, and Fareed Ahmad Malik as reserves for the series against India.
The team will travel to India soon for training and final preparations before the series officially begins.
This is a crucial step in their preparation strategy as they gear up to face a strong Indian side.
Information
A look at Afghanistan's squad
Squad: Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicket-keeper), Noor Rahman (wicket-keeper), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, and Naveen-ul-Haq. Reserve players: Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal, and Fareed Ahmad Malik.