Afghanistan Announces Test and ODI Squad for India Series, Rashid Khan Excluded from Test Team Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the squad for the upcoming Test and three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against India on May 26, 2026. The series is set to begin on June 6 and conclude on June 20. The Test match will be played first, followed by the ODI games on June 13, 17, and 20. Notably, spin all-rounder Rashid Khan, a key player for Afghanistan, has been excluded from the Test squad but is included in the ODI squad. The Test squad features Hashmatullah Shahidi as captain, with a total of 15 players selected. The ODI squad also names Shahidi as captain, with 15 players, including Rashid Khan. Both squads have three reserve players each. The ACB did not provide specific reasons for Rashid Khan’s exclusion from the Test match, though it is noted that he has opted to play only one Test per year. This decision aligns with his recent focus on limited-overs cricket, as he has not participated in any Test matches in 2026. For the Test series, the squad includes Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Abdul Malik, Sedikullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmatullah Gurbaz, Rahmatullah Jadran, Afzal Jafai (wicketkeeper), Ikram Ali Khalil (wicketkeeper), Azmatullah Umarjai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangyal Khroti, Kais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharif, and Salim Safi. Reserves are Bashir Ahmad, Bahir Shah, and Ismat Alam. The ODI squad includes Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmatullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Jadran, Sedikullah Atal, Darvish Rasooli, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Ali Khalil (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Umarjai, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Khroti, Allah Gajanfar, Zia-ur-Rahman, Sharifie Farid Malik, and Bilal Sami. Reserves are Kais Ahmad, Salim Safi, and Bashir Ahmad.#rashid_khan #afghanistan_cricket_board #hashmatullah_shahidi #test_squad #odi_squad
Afghanistan Announces Test and ODI Squad for India Series, Names Hashmatullah Shahidi as Captain Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced its Test and ODI squads for the upcoming series against India, with Hashmatullah Shahidi named captain for both formats. The series, scheduled to begin on June 6 and conclude on June 20, will feature one historic Test match and a three-match ODI series. The Test match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, while the ODIs will take place in Rajkot and Indore. For the ODI series, Afghanistan has opted for a balanced mix of experienced players and young talent. The squad includes star performers like Rashid Khan, R Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ibrahim Zadran, who are known for their ability to turn matches around. The team also features all-rounders like Azmatullah Umarzai and leg-spinner Nangyal Khartai, ensuring depth across all departments. Rashid Khan, a key all-rounder, will spearhead the spin attack, while Mohammad Nabi and Ziaur Rahman will provide pace support. The reserves include Kas Ahmed, Salim Safi, and Bashir Ahmed. In the Test format, Afghanistan has made strategic changes to strengthen its batting lineup. The team includes R Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah in the middle order, alongside Azmatullah Umarzai, who will play a crucial role in stabilizing the innings. The spin department is bolstered by Sharafuddin Ashraf and Kas Ahmed, with Nangyal Khartai and Bilal Sami serving as backups. The wicketkeeping duties will be shared between Afzal Javeed and Ikram Ali Khil, who will provide both defensive solidity and aggressive run-scoring. The reserves for the Test squad include Bashir Ahmed, Bahir Shah, and Ismat Alam.#narendra_modi_stadium #indore #rajkot #afghanistan_cricket_board #hashmatullah_shahidi
Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan visit Shapoor Zadran in Greater Noida hospital Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan visited former Afghanistan cricketer Shapoor Zadran at a hospital in Greater Noida, where the left-arm pacer is receiving treatment for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and severe immune disorder. The meeting, described by Nabi as emotionally challenging, highlighted the players’ concern for Zadran’s health and their hopes for his recovery. Nabi shared his sentiments on social media, expressing sadness at seeing Zadran, a once-vibrant athlete, bedridden and praying for his full recovery. Rashid Khan, who has been instrumental in Zadran’s medical journey, joined Nabi in the visit, underscoring the camaraderie among Afghan cricketers. Shapoor Zadran, who played 80 international matches for Afghanistan between 2009 and 2020, including 44 One-Day Internationals and 36 T20 Internationals, began experiencing health issues in October 2023. His younger brother, Ghamai Zadran, revealed that doctors in Afghanistan recommended seeking advanced treatment in India due to the severity of his condition. The decision to relocate was facilitated by Rashid Khan and Mirwais Ashraf, the chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Rashid leveraged his connections in Indian cricket, including his association with the Gujarat Titans, while Ashraf coordinated with International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah to expedite the visa process. Zadran arrived in India on January 18, 2024, and was subsequently hospitalized. Ghamai Zadran detailed the progression of his brother’s illness, which began with a severe systemic infection affecting multiple organs, including the brain. MRI and CT scans confirmed the infection had spread to the central nervous system, complicating his treatment.#rashid_khan #greater_noida #mohammad_nabi #shapoor_zadran #afghanistan_cricket_board
