The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to break an eight-year hiatus, commencing on February 19 with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the tournament opener. This much-anticipated event will feature eight elite teams competing in 15 exciting matches over 19 days. As the deadline for submitting provisional squad lists to the ICC approaches, Afghanistan have joined England, New Zealand and Bangladesh in officially announcing their squad for the prestigious tournament. This marks Afghanistan’s maiden appearance in the Champions Trophy, a testament to their remarkable rise in international cricket.
Afghanistan gears up for historic debut under Hashmatullah Shahidi
Hashmatullah Shahidi, the experienced batter and tactician, will lead Afghanistan in this historic campaign. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed a balanced 15-member squad accompanied by traveling reserves. The team boasts a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, reflecting Afghanistan’s growing depth in cricketing prowess.
The squad includes stalwarts like Ibrahim Zadran, a consistent performer in the top order known for anchoring innings with flair, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter who has proven instrumental in providing rapid starts at the top of the order. Adding further strength to the batting lineup are players like Sediqullah Atal, a promising young batter with the potential to make a significant impact, and Rahmat Shah, whose calm and composed approach in the middle order has been a cornerstone of Afghanistan’s ODI success.
Spin power led by Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi
Afghanistan’s spin department, a key asset for the team, will be spearheaded by Rashid Khan, one of the world’s premier leg-spinners with vast experience in franchise and international cricket. Supporting him is Mohammad Nabi, the seasoned all-rounder who brings leadership, control with the ball, and a wealth of experience in high-pressure tournaments. Together, they form a formidable spin duo capable of troubling the world’s best batters, especially on subcontinent pitches. Versatile all-rounders Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai bring a crucial balance to the side, offering power-hitting capabilities lower down the order and reliable medium-pace options with the ball. Meanwhile Mujeeb Ur Rahman failed to find a place in the Afghan squad.
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Momentum from recent success
Afghanistan will enter the Champions Trophy on the back of impressive performances in recent ICC events. Their campaign at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 showcased their ability to compete with top teams, while their semifinal run in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup underlined their growth as a force to reckon with in limited-overs cricket. With players in form and a well-rounded squad, Afghanistan is primed to make an impact in their Champions Trophy debut.
This historic appearance represents a major milestone for Afghanistan cricket, highlighting their journey from Associate status to competing in one of the ICC’s most prestigious tournaments. Fans and cricketing enthusiasts alike will eagerly await their performance on this global stage.
Afghanistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran.
Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami
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