UAE vs AFG: Ibrahim Zadran Named Afghanistan Captain For UAE T20Is, Rashid Khan Ruled Out
Published - 29 Dec 2023, 04:26 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 10:20 AM
Top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran will lead the Afghanistan team in the upcoming three-match T20I series against the UAE. Ibrahim Zadran has replaced Rashid Khan, who is unavailable for selection due to injury, in the leadership role of the national cricket team.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) recently revealed an 18-member squad. The much-awaited T20I series is slated to commence on December 29 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with the remaining matches scheduled at the same venue on December 31 and January 2.
Rashid Khan will be absent from the squad, continuing his recovery from a recent back surgery. Fazahaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq have been included in the team. The two pacers recently faced sanctions from the board after opting out of central contracts.
Rashid Khan Misses Out On The Main Squad – ACB
In a recent statement, the ACB confirmed that Rashid Khan is excluded from the squad due to his ongoing recovery from a recent back surgery. The statement also revealed that Ibrahim Zadran has been designated as the standby captain.
“Afghanistan Cricket Board’s Selection Committee named an 18-member Afghanistan National Squad for the three-match T20I Series against UAE starting tomorrow at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in UAE,” ACB said in an official statement.
“Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s regular T20I Captain, misses out on the main squad as he recovers from the back surgery he recently underwent. Ibrahim Zadran, a top-order batter, has been appointed as the standby captain and will lead the AfghanAtalan lineup for the three-match T20I series against the UAE,” the statement added.
? Squad Alert! ?
Here's AfghanAtalan's 18-man squad for the three-match T20I Series against UAE, starting tomorrow in Sharjah. ?#AfghanAtalan | #UAEvAFG202324 Read More: https://t.co/UHBS21h87u pic.twitter.com/ghBjbbcAdB
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 28, 2023
Ibrahim Zadran Set To Lead Afghanistan Team Upcoming Series
Afghanistan delivered a commendable performance in the World Cup 2023, securing four victories. The Afghan team achieved wins over strong teams such as Pakistan and England. They also put up a strong fight against Australia and South Africa in the tournament.
The squad for the T20I series boasts a well-balanced mix of seasoned players and emerging talents. The batting lineup is further fortified by the presence of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Darwish Rasooli, and Najibullah Zadran.
In the bowling department, the team has included talented players such as Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fazal Haq Farooqi, and Naveen Ul Haq. These additions are anticipated to play a pivotal role in shaping Afghanistan’s strategic approach throughout the next T20I series.
After the series against the UAE, the Afghanistan cricket team is set to face the Indian cricket team in a T20I series in January 2024. The team is optimistic about the potential return of Rashid Khan to the squad for the series against the Men in Blue next month.
Afghanistan Squad: Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Mohammad Ishaq (WK), Hazratullah Zazai, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Darwish Rasooli, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmaullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem and Qais Ahmad.
Reserves: Rashid Khan, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Ikram Alikhil and Gulbadin Naib
