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

Sandeep Lamichhane becomes fastest bowler to reach 150 ODI wickets Nepali leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has set a new world record by becoming the fastest bowler to achieve 150 wickets in One Day International (ODI) cricket. The milestone was reached in just 73 ODI matches, surpassing the previous record held by Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who attained the same feat in 77 matches. Lamichhane accomplished this during Nepal’s ODI against the Scotland national cricket team at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on Monday, May 18, 2026. In the match, Lamichhane claimed two wickets to break the long-standing record. By the end of 23 overs, Scotland were at 132 runs for the loss of five wickets. Lamichhane took three wickets, while fellow Nepali bowlers Dipendra Singh Airee and Lalit Rajbanshi each contributed one wicket. The achievement highlights Lamichhane’s consistency and effectiveness as a spinner in high-pressure international matches. This record marks the second time Lamichhane has set a world benchmark in ODI cricket. Earlier in April 2023, he became the fastest bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets, achieving the milestone in 42 matches. This surpassed the previous record held by Afghan spinner Rashid Khan, who had reached 100 wickets in 44 matches. Lamichhane’s rapid progression underscores his skill and adaptability in different formats of the game. The 28-year-old spinner’s success is a significant milestone for Nepali cricket, as it elevates the country’s profile on the global stage. His ability to maintain high performance levels over an extended period demonstrates his technical expertise and mental resilience.#rashid_khan #mitchell_starc #sandeep_lamichhane #tribhuvan_university_international_cricket_ground #scotland_national_cricket_team

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

Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi Meet Ailing Shapoor Zadran, Pray For His Recovery Afghanistan cricket legends Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi visited former national team fast bowler Shapoor Zadran in a Delhi-NCR hospital on Wednesday, where the 38-year-old is receiving treatment for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). The meeting occurred as Zadran continues his battle against the rare and severe immune disorder, which has kept him hospitalized for several months. Nabi shared his emotional experience on social media, describing the visit as a deeply moving moment. Zadran, a key figure in Afghanistan’s cricket history, has been diagnosed with HLH, a condition primarily affecting children but also occurring in adults. The disease causes the immune system to overreact, leading to hyperinflammation and damage to vital organs such as the bone marrow, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Despite initial progress in his treatment, Zadran experienced a relapse 20 days after being discharged from the hospital. His current admission to a Delhi-NCR facility marks an ongoing struggle against the illness. The visit by Khan and Nabi highlighted their close personal and professional bond with Zadran, who has been a prominent figure in Afghan cricket since his debut in 2009. Over his career, Zadran represented Afghanistan in 44 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 36 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). His contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, have earned him admiration from teammates and fans alike. Nabi’s social media post emphasized the emotional impact of seeing Zadran in a vulnerable state. He described the former player as a “tall, passionate, and strong-hearted” individual who had always faced challenges with courage.#rashid_khan #delhi_ncr #mohammad_nabi #shapoor_zadran #hemophagocytic_lymphohistiocytosis

Pink City, Blue Result: Gujarat Titans Triumph Over Rajasthan Royals in IPL Clash Gujarat Titans delivered a stunning 77-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in a thrilling IPL match, securing their biggest win in the tournament's history. The result, dubbed "Pink City, Blue Result," sparked widespread celebration among Gujarat fans, while Rajasthan supporters faced a wave of online mockery. The match, held in Jaipur, saw the hosts' blue jerseys triumph over the pink-clad Rajasthan team, with Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan leading the post-match festivities. The victory began with a dominant batting display from Gujarat, who posted a record-breaking total of 229/4 in 20 overs. Shubman Gill, playing his captaincy role, smashed an impressive 84 runs off 30 balls, while opener Sai Sudarshan contributed 55 to form a record-breaking 118-run partnership. Washington Sundar’s unbeaten 37 off 20 balls and Jason Holder’s late fireworks with two sixes sealed the innings, setting a daunting target for Rajasthan. Rajasthan’s chase crumbled under the pressure of Rashid Khan’s masterclass. The leg-spinner dismantled the Rajasthan middle order with a mesmerizing spell of 4/33, supported by Kagiso Rabada (2 wickets) and Jason Holder (3 wickets). The hosts were bowled out for 152, leaving Gujarat with a commanding lead. The match marked a historic milestone for Gujarat, who climbed to second place in the points table, showcasing their dominance in the competition. Post-match, Gill and Rashid joined forces for a playful celebration, with Gill sharing a photo of the two holding their fingers to their ears, mimicking a "troll" gesture toward Rajasthan. The image, captioned "Pink City, Blue Result. Khamma Ghani" (a local slang for "blue victory"), went viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions.#jaipur #shubman_gill #rajasthan_royals #rashid_khan #gujarat_titans

Rashid Khan Rejects Citizenship Offers from India and Australia Rashid Khan, the Afghan cricketer, has revealed in his upcoming book "Rashid Khan: From Streets to Stardom" that he declined citizenship offers from India and Australia. The revelations, which have sparked widespread discussion, highlight his commitment to representing Afghanistan despite lucrative opportunities from other nations. The offers, which came during the 2023 IPL season, included citizenship and potential playing contracts with Indian and Australian teams. However, Khan stated he rejected both proposals, emphasizing his dedication to Afghanistan. In his book, he wrote, "If I do not play for my country, I will not play for any other nation." This sentiment underscores his deep connection to his homeland, even as he navigated the complexities of international cricket. Khan detailed the Indian offer in particular. During the 2023 IPL, a senior official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) met with him. The official highlighted Afghanistan's challenging political and social conditions, urging Khan to settle in India. The proposal included citizenship and a guaranteed place in the Indian team. Despite the appeal, Khan expressed gratitude for the gesture but reaffirmed his allegiance to Afghanistan. This is not the first time Khan has faced such offers. In 2018, during the IPL, Indian fans on social media campaigned for him to take Indian citizenship. At the time, then-foreign minister Sushma Swaraj clarified that citizenship decisions fall under the purview of the Home Ministry, not the foreign ministry. Meanwhile, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani praised Khan as a source of national pride, stating that losing him would be a significant loss for Afghanistan.#bcci #rashid_khan #board_of_control_for_crickey_in_india #ashraf_ghani #nangarhar

IPL Match Summary: RCB vs MI (2025 Season) Match Result: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by 6 wickets in a thrilling encounter. RCB scored 222/5 in their innings, while MI were bowled out for 222/5. --- Key Performers RCB: Virat Kohli (72 runs, 5 fours, 3 sixes) Rishabh Pant (58 runs, 6 fours, 2 sixes) Rashid Khan (3 wickets, 28 runs) Jaspit Bumrah (3 wickets, 22 runs) Ravindra Jadeja (46 runs, 3 wickets) MI: Sherfane Rutherford (71 runs, 1 four, 9 sixes) Rohit Sharma (37 runs, 5 fours) Rikky Rickelton (37 runs, 5 fours) --- Batting Highlights RCB Innings: A dominant 222/5, led by Kohli and Pant’s partnership (120 runs for the 3rd wicket). Jadeja’s all-round contribution (46 runs, 3 wickets) was pivotal. Rashid Khan’s 3 wickets (including Rikky Rickelton) kept MI in check. MI Innings: A valiant 222/5, with Rutherford’s 71 runs (9 sixes) and Rohit Sharma’s 37 runs (5 fours) anchoring the chase. Despite a strong start, MI’s middle order collapsed, with 4 wickets falling in the last 10 overs. --- Bowling Stats RCB Bowling: Rashid Khan: 3/28 (4 overs, 28 runs, 3 wickets) Jaspit Bumrah: 3/22 (4 overs, 22 runs, 3 wickets) Ravindra Jadeja: 3/46 (5 overs, 46 runs, 3 wickets) MI Bowling: Jaspit Bumrah: 3/22 (4 overs, 22 runs, 3 wickets) Rashid Khan: 3/28 (4 overs, 28 runs, 3 wickets) --- Captains' Insights MI Captain Hardik Pandya: "We decided to bat first after the toss. The pitch is good, and we’ll aim to score a big total. This is a crucial match, and we’ll focus on executing our plans." Highlighted the importance of the pitch and the need to adapt to the conditions. RCB Captain Rishabh Pant: "We’ll aim to score a strong total and pressure MI. Our previous performance (97/6 in 20 overs) shows we can handle challenges. We’re excited to play here and take on the challenge.#virat_kohli #rashid_khan #rcb #rishabh_pant #mi

From Mohammed Siraj to Shubman Gill: Who are the richest players in Gujarat Titans 2026 squad? The Gujarat Titans’ 2026 squad has been unveiled, featuring a blend of established international stars and emerging Indian talents. The team’s financial landscape is shaped by a combination of cricket contracts, participation in global leagues, and lucrative endorsement deals. Among the squad’s standout players, several have accumulated significant net worths, reflecting their marketability and performance on the field. Kagiso Rabada, the South African fast bowler, is estimated to have a net worth of around ₹60 crore. His earnings are primarily driven by his long-standing presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his participation in global T20 leagues. Rabada’s consistent performances and reputation as a key bowler have solidified his position as one of the league’s top earners. Mohammed Siraj, the Indian leg-spinner, is projected to have a net worth of ₹55–57 crore. His income is derived from BCCI contracts, IPL deals, and brand endorsements. Siraj’s ability to adapt to different formats and his role as a reliable all-rounder have contributed to his financial success. Shubman Gill, the GT captain, has an estimated net worth of ₹32–35 crore. His earnings come from BCCI contracts, IPL participation, and high-profile brand endorsements. Gill’s leadership on the field and his batting prowess have made him a valuable asset both for the team and his sponsors. Rashid Khan, the Afghan leg-spinner, is valued at approximately ₹30 crore. Known for his exceptional skills in T20 cricket, Rashid’s global demand across leagues has significantly boosted his earnings. His ability to consistently deliver high-quality performances has made him one of the most sought-after players in the T20 circuit.#shubman_gill #rashid_khan #gujarat_titans #mohammed_siraj #kagiso_rabada

Shubman Gill Out Of IPL 2026 For What Duration? Gujarat Titans Drop Big Update Gujarat Titans confirmed that Shubman Gill will miss the upcoming match against Delhi Capitals on April 8, 2026, due to a muscle spasm. The injury occurred during the team’s IPL 2026 encounter against Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad on April 4, 2026, where Gill’s absence contributed to a 6-run loss. The team’s captain, who had been leading the side in his absence, was replaced by Rashid Khan for the match. Gill’s injury has raised concerns about his availability for the remainder of the tournament, though assistant coach Parthiv Patel expressed optimism about his recovery. The Gujarat Titans’ performance in the absence of Gill has been inconsistent. The team’s recent match against Rajasthan Royals saw them fail to chase a 211-run target, marking their second loss of the season. Patel explained that Gill’s injury stemmed from a pre-existing neck sprain sustained during India’s Test series against South Africa in November 2025. The assistant coach emphasized that the spasm was not severe and that the team is hopeful Gill will be fit for the next game. “Injury management is not my forte, but I can definitely tell you that he should be fine,” Patel said. Gill’s absence has also impacted the team’s leadership dynamics. Rashid Khan, who took charge of the side during the Rajasthan Royals match, highlighted the challenges of managing without their regular captain. “Gill has a muscle spasm. Hopefully, he will be back soon,” Rashid stated. The team’s reliance on Khan’s experience in the absence of Gill underscores the importance of having a strong leadership structure in the IPL. Beyond the immediate impact of Gill’s injury, the article also touches on his growth as a player and leader.#shubman_gill #rashid_khan #gujarat_titans #matthew_hayden #parthiv_patel
World Champions Lose Top Spot as Varun Chakravarthy Falls from Number One in ICC Rankings, Bumrah-Ishnan See Major Jump The ICC T20 rankings have undergone significant changes following the recent World Cup, with India’s Varun Chakravarthy losing his number one spot to England’s Rashid Khan. Chakravarthy, who led India to victory, now ranks second, while Rashid Khan reclaimed the top position. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, a key player in India’s World Cup campaign, dropped to sixth in the rankings despite his stellar performances. Bumrah’s consistency and pace remain a major threat, but his ranking reflects the competitive nature of the T20 format. Meanwhile, all-rounder Akshar Patel made a remarkable leap, climbing six positions to 17th in the rankings. England’s Adil Rashid also improved his position, moving up one spot to fourth. In the batting category, India’s Abhishek Sharma has claimed the number one spot, while Ishan Kishan, who scored 317 runs in the World Cup, rose to second. This marks India as the first team to have both its top two T20 batsmen in the global rankings. New Zealand’s Finn Allen and England’s Jacob Bethel also achieved career-best rankings, securing 20th and 16th positions respectively. The updated rankings highlight the dominance of Indian players in the T20 format, with multiple athletes securing top positions. The competition remains fierce, and the rankings will likely shift further as the season progresses.#jasprit_bumrah #varun_chakravarthy #rashid_khan #icc_t20_rankings #akshar_patel

The ICC T20 rankings have undergone significant changes following the conclusion of the World Cup, with several players seeing notable shifts in their positions. Abhishek Sharma retains his top spot as the leading T20 batsman, having delivered a standout performance in the final against New Zealand. Ishan Kishan, who scored 317 runs in the tournament, climbed two positions to rank second, narrowly trailing Sharma by four rating points. Sanju Samson, the tournament's hero, surged 18 places to 22nd, thanks to his three consecutive fifties and pivotal role in India's victory. Meanwhile, New Zealand's Finn Allen rose seven spots to 20th after hitting a record-breaking 33-ball century in the semifinal against South Africa. In the bowling rankings, Afghanistan's Rashid Khan reclaimed the number one spot, overtaking India's Varun Chakravarthy, who dropped to second. England's Adil Rashid moved to fourth, while India's Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel secured sixth and 17th positions, respectively. The all-rounders' rankings also saw changes, with Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza topping the list, followed by India's Hardik Pandya. New Zealand's Mitchell Santner advanced three spots to ninth. These updates reflect the impact of the World Cup performances, with key players earning recognition for their contributions to their teams' successes.#ishan_kishan #sanju_samson #abhishek_sharma #rashid_khan #icc_t20_rankings

The T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament award is typically given to the most outstanding player of the tournament. For the 2021 T20 World Cup (held in the UAE), the award was won by Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), who was instrumental in his team's victory. However, if you're referring to a different tournament or a specific list of 8 players (which is unusual for this award, as it's usually a single player), please clarify the context. For example, in some tournaments, there might be recognition for top performers in categories like "Best Batsman," "Best Bowler," etc., but the official "Player of the Tournament" is typically one individual. If you have a specific tournament or year in mind, feel free to specify, and I can provide more accurate details! 🏏#t20_world_cup #rashid_khan #afghanistan #uae #player_of_the_tournament
