Afghanistan have introduced their 18-man squad for the highly-anticipated three-match One-Day Worldwide (ODI) sequence towards Pakistan. The staff, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, boasts a star-studded lineup that includes the likes of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rehman.

The ODI sequence is scheduled to start on August 22 and can happen in Sri Lanka. The primary two matches can be performed in Hambantota, whereas the third ODI can be held in Colombo. With preparations underway for this important sequence, Afghanistan purpose to fine-tune their squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and the ICC World Cup 2023.

The squad announcement has additionally witnessed the return of spin sensation Noor Ahmad, whereas uncapped leg-spinner Izharulhaq Naveed misses out on the chance to make his ODI debut. Noor’s distinctive expertise and wicket-taking skills will present Afghanistan with an extra spin weapon, including extra depth to their bowling assault. His return additionally means that there was no room for left-arm spinner Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, who not too long ago made his ODI debut towards Bangladesh.

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Regardless of being a part of the Take a look at squad, uncapped leg-spinner Izharulhaq didn’t discover a spot within the ODI squad. The competitors for locations within the spin division has been intense, resulting in Naveed’s exclusion from the ultimate squad.

Quick bowlers Mohammad Saleem Safi and Wafadar Momand have retained their locations within the ODI squad. Their constant performances throughout the latest ODI tour to Bangladesh have earned them spots within the lineup, additional strengthening Afghanistan’s tempo assault.

Preparation for Asia Cup and ICC World Cup 2023: ACB Chief Selector Asadullah Khan

ACB Chief Selector Asadullah Khan highlighted the importance of the Pakistan sequence in making ready the staff for 2 main upcoming occasions, the Asia Cup and the ICC World Cup 2023. The sequence supplies an ideal platform for Afghanistan to hone their methods and assess the gamers’ kind and health forward of those marquee tournaments.

“Our complete focus is to organize the staff for the upcoming two huge occasions of Asia Cup and the World Cup 2023. This three-match ODI sequence towards Pakistan supplies us with an exquisite alternative to organize the staff for the forthcoming two occasions,” mentioned Asadullah in an announcement.

“The preparations for the Pakistan sequence are progressing properly. The gamers have not too long ago carried out properly within the Kabul Camp, which has been supervised by ACB’s HPC workers. The staff can even endure a week-long conditioning camp previous to the Pakistan sequence,” he added.

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Afghanistan ODI squad for Pakistan sequence: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi and Wafadar Momand.

Reserves: Farid Ahmad Malik and Shahidullah Kamal.