Rashid Khan to lead Afghanistan for Asia Cup

Dubai: Star spinner Rashid Khan has been named captain of Afghanistan for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Spin duo Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman and Allah Ghazanfar return to the squad after missing the Champions Trophy earlier this year. They will join forces with Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Nabi, and skipper Rashid Khan to form a potent spin attack.

Ibrahim Zadran, who made his comeback during the Champions Trophy, retains his place in the squad, while Hazratullah Zazai misses out.

The pace department will be spearheaded by left-armer Fazalhaq Farooqi, supported by Naveen-ul-Haq and Farid Ahmad Malik.

The squad also includes three travelling reserves: Wafiullah Tarakhail, Nangyal Kharote, and Abdullah Ahmadzai.

Afghanistan are drawn in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. Group A features India, Oman, Pakistan, and the UAE.

Afghanistan will open their Asia Cup campaign against Hong Kong on September 9 in Abu Dhabi.

Notably, the team hasn't played any T20 Internationals in 2025 and has featured in just three over the past year — a December 2024 series against Zimbabwe in Harare, which they won 2-1.

Ahead of the Asia Cup, Afghanistan will compete in a T20I Tri-Nation Series with hosts UAE and Pakistan, starting this Friday in Sharjah. The series will include most players from the previously announced 22-member preliminary squad.

Afghanistan squad: Rashid Khan (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishag, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen Hag, Fazalhaq Farooqi Reserve players: Wafiullah Tarakhil, Nangeyalia Kharote, Abdullah Ahmadzai.