Afghanistan Announces Squad For World Cup 2019

Image Source : ICC Cricket

Finally the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced their 15-man squad for the upcoming World Cup 2019. The mega tournament is scheduled to begin from May 30 in England and Wales.

Asia’s newest power in the world of cricket is regarded as one of the dark horses of the tournament. They will begin their World Cup journey against Australia on June 1 at the County Ground in Bristol.

Previously a 23-man squad was selected for a training camp which was held in Potchefstroom, South Africa. From there the 15-man squad is finalized. According to the selection committee, the players are selected on the basis of performances and fitness over the last six months.

Asghar Afghan was previously removed from captaincy from all the formats. Gulbadin Naib will lead the Afghanistan side in the World Cup. Rashid Khan and Rahmat Shah are the T20I and Test captain respectively.

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Shafoor Zadran not selected in the squad

The hulk-like fast-bowler Shafoor Zadran is not selected in the Afghan squad. He was part of the team which registered their maiden World Cup victory against Scotland in 2015.

Another speedster Hamid Hasan has been selected in the squad. It comes as a surprise as Hasan had last played limited-overs international game way back in July 2016 against Ireland in Belfast.

“As chief selector, It is my duty to select a competitive team. However, there were some challenges that we needed to handle. We selected the best squad considering factors such as experience, fitness, team balance, current form and conditions,” Chief Selector, Dawlat Khan Ahmadzai mentioned.

“We hope to play great cricket without any fear and with a fighting spirit in the tournament. The final decision has been made based on many facts and considerations. I would like to thank all those who continue to support our national heroes,” he mentioned.

Here is the 15-man squad of Afghanistan:

Gulbadin Naib (C), Mohammad Shahzad (WK), 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 and Mujeeb Ur Rahman