ICC World Cup 2019: Afghanistan Cricket Team – Squad, Schedule, Where To Watch, Players to Watch

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have named their best 15 players ahead of the upcoming ICC World Cup starting from May 30 in England and Wales. Surprisingly, they have appointed a new captain in Gulbadin Naib just ahead of the marquee event stripping off veteran cricketer Asghar Afghan. While many Afghan cricketers tipped it to be a foul decision ahead of the tournament, the management decided to carry it forward.

Afghanistan selectors rang a few surprises while naming the squad. They have omitted four players that played against Ireland recently from the World Cup squad. It includes left-arm wrist spinner Zahir Khan, left-arm fast bowlers Shapoor Zadran and Fareed Ahmad, and top-order batsman Javed Ahmadi. On the other hand, they have included Hamid Hassan, who last played an ODI match in 2016.

Read More: ICC World Cup 2019: South Africa Cricket Team – Squad, Schedule, Where To Watch, Players to Watch

The team has made rapid progress in the last few years and will look to keep playing their good cricket. They have defeated top-notch teams and will be eyeing some major upsets once again.

They will begin their World Cup campaign against Australia on June 1 at Bristol.

Afghanistan’s 15-Member Squad

Gulbadin Naib (captain), Mohammad Shahzad (wicketkeeper), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Probable XI: Mohammad Shahzad, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan, Samiullah Shinwari, Mohammad Nabi, Gulabdin Naib, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman

Schedule

June 1 (Saturday): Afghanistan vs Australia – Bristol – 6 p.m.

June 4 (Tuesday): Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka – Cardiff – 3 p.m.

June 8 (Saturday): Afghanistan vs New Zealand – Taunton – 6 p.m.

June 15 (Saturday): South Africa vs Afghanistan – Cardiff – 6 p.m.

June 18 (Tuesday): England vs Afghanistan – Manchester – 3 p.m.

June 22 (Saturday): India vs Afghanistan – Southampton – 3 p.m.

June 24 (Monday): Bangladesh vs Afghanistan – Southampton – 3 p.m.

June 29 (Saturday): Pakistan vs Afghanistan – Leeds – 3 p.m.

July 4 (Thursday): Afghanistan vs West Indies – Leeds – 3 p.m.

Read More: ICC World Cup 2019: Sri Lanka Cricket Team – Squad, Schedule, Where To Watch, Players to Watch

Where to Watch

Batsman to Watch

ASGHAR AFGHAN

The Afghanistan management has stripped off his captaincy right before the World Cup. Asghar Afghan will go to the showpiece event with less responsibilities on his shoulder. The experienced cricketer will look to express himself and make a mark in the upcoming quadrennial tournament.

The 99 ODI veteran will be keen to lead the batting department along Mohammad Shahzad and Rahmat Shah and help Afghanistan post good runs on the scoreboard.  Asghar has an excellent technique in place and will have to shoulder responsibilities if his team want to make a mark.

Bowler to Watch

RASHID KHAN

Afghanistan will pin all their hopes on their favourite boy – Rashid Khan to deliver in the World Cup and help them win matches. The young leg-spinner has travelled the globe playing all over the globe and has rich experience. Also, he has quite a few variations up his sleeves which makes him a rare commodity.

However, Rashid has not been among the wickets in the ongoing Indian Premier League for the Sunrisers Hyderabad which has hurt them badly. But he has been economical keeping the runs in check in the middle overs. Rashid, meanwhile, will look to shrug off the bad days and look forward to helping his side cause some significant upset in the tournament.

Beside, Rashid can also chip in with bat at the lower order and is also a brilliant fielder who will add value to the team.