Afghanistan Team Squad/Player List for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Afghanistan_Squad_for_ICC_Champions_Trophy_2025

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has revealed its predicted squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Led by a mix of experienced players and emerging stars, Afghanistan aims to showcase their growing dominance in international cricket. With spin wizard Rashid Khan and all-rounder Mohammad Nabi leading the charge, Afghanistan is gearing up for an exciting campaign in this prestigious tournament. Here’s a comprehensive look at their squad, strengths, and challenges.

Afghanistan Predicted  Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Player NameRole
Rashid KhanSpin Bowler
Mohammad NabiAll-Rounder
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)Opening Batsman
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)Middle Order Batsman
Rahmat Shah (VC)Top Order Batsman
Ikram Alikhil (WK)Wicket-Keeper Batsman
Sediqullah AtalBatsman
Ibrahim ZadranTop Order Batsman
Noor AhmadLeft-Arm Wrist Spinner
Gulbadin NaibAll-Rounder
AM GhazanfarRight-Arm Off-Spin Bowler
Azmatullah OmarzaiAll-Rounder
Fazal Haq FarooqiLeft-Arm Fast Bowler
Naveed ZardanRight-Arm Medium Bowler
Fareed Ahmad MalikLeft-Arm Medium-Fast Bowler

Detail About Champions Trophy Teams

Key Players in Afghanistan’s Squad

  1. Rashid Khan
    Rashid is Afghanistan’s biggest match-winner. With his pinpoint accuracy and wicket-taking ability, he will be pivotal on spin-friendly tracks.
  2. Mohammad Nabi
    The veteran all-rounder brings a wealth of experience. His batting prowess and clever off-spin add depth to both the batting and bowling departments.
  3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz
    An explosive opener and wicket keeper, Gurbaz can give Afghanistan the fast starts they need to put pressure on opponents.
  4. Hashmatullah Shahidi
    Left-handed top-order batter and the captain of Afghanistan’s ODI and Test teams. Known for his composure, he plays a key role in anchoring the innings and building partnerships.

Talents in Afghanistan’s Squad

Afghanistan’s squad boasts a mix of raw talent and seasoned professionals:

  • Fazal Haq Farooqi : Known for his clever variations and pace, Fazal is Afghanistan’s trump card in the fast-bowling department.
  • Rahmat Shah (VC): A dependable right-handed batter and the vice-captain of Afghanistan’s ODI and Test teams. Renowned for his technique, he is a cornerstone of Afghanistan’s middle order and their first Test centurion.
  • AM Ghazanfar: A young star in Afghanistan’s spin arsenal, his off-spin adds variety to the bowling attack.
  • Ibrahim Zadran: A technically sound batsman, Zadran is Afghanistan’s backbone in the top order.
  • Gulbadin Naib: An Afghan all-rounder, known for his right-arm medium-fast bowling and aggressive batting.
  • Sediqullah Atal: With his ability to clear the boundary, can turn the tide in Afghanistan’s favor during the middle overs.
  • Fareed Ahmad Malik: Beneficial to Afghanistan’s cricket team with his left-arm fast-medium bowling, providing crucial breakthroughs with swing and pace. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and middle overs adds depth to the team’s bowling attack.

Strengths in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

  1. Spin Dominance
    Afghanistan’s spin attack, led by Rashid Khan and supported by Ghazanfar and Noor, is among the best in the world. Spin-friendly pitches in Pakistan will amplify their effectiveness.
  2. Explosive Batting
    Openers like Gurbaz and middle-order hitters like Hashmatullah Shahidi ensure that Afghanistan can post or chase challenging totals.
  3. All-Round Expertise
    With Mohammad Nabi and other versatile players, Afghanistan has depth in both batting and bowling, which is crucial in high-pressure games.

Fixtures and Schedule

DateMatchVenue
21 February 2025Afghanistan v South AfricaNational Stadium, Karachi
25 February 2025Afghanistan v EnglandGaddafi Stadium, Lahore
28 February 2025Afghanistan v AustraliaRawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Read Also Champions Trophy League Schedule and Venue

Predictions and Expectations for Afghanistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Afghanistan is a dark horse in this tournament. Their spin strength and fearless batting make them capable of upsetting even the strongest teams. They are likely to perform well on spinning tracks and may secure a spot in the semi-finals if they play to their potential.

Challenges Facing Afghanistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

  1. Pace Bowling Depth
    While their spin attack is formidable, Afghanistan’s pace options lack the same depth, which could be a challenge on flat tracks.
  2. Inexperience in Big Matches
    With a relatively young squad, handling pressure in critical games could be a concern.
  3. Batting Consistency
    While they have explosive hitters, Afghanistan needs more consistent performances from their top and middle order to compete against top-tier teams.