By Zainab Shafiq 
The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s Selection Committee has unveiled the 18-member squad set to participate in the upcoming three-match T20I series against the UAE. Notably, regular T20I captain Rashid Khan will miss the series as he continues to recover from back surgery. In his absence, Ibrahim Zadran has been appointed as the standby captain, leading the team in the series set to commence on December 29, 2023, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
The squad includes fast bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, who were previously facing sanctions. Both players, expressing eagerness to represent Afghanistan, have requested a reconsideration of disciplinary measures. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has acknowledged the players’ commitment and directed the relevant committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation. The ACB urges the committee to communicate its findings and proposed solutions after assessing the players’ requests.
The selected squad, led by Ibrahim Zadran, features a balanced mix of experienced players and promising talents in Afghan cricket. Key players in the batting lineup include Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Ishaq, Hazratullah Zazai, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, and Darwish Rasooli. The bowling unit comprises Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmad, and Qais Ahmad.
Reserves for the UAE T20Is include Rashid Khan, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Ikram Alikhil, and Gulbadin Naib. Although Rashid Khan is part of the reserves, the ACB emphasizes ongoing assessment and the determination of player involvement in events as necessary. The series presents an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and contribute to Afghanistan’s success in T20Is, with Ibrahim Zadran leading the team in the absence of Rashid Khan.
Afghanistan squad
Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Mohammad Ishaq (WK), Hazratullah Zazai, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Darwish Rasooli, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmaullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem and Qais Ahmad.
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