Overview
- The squad features Rashid Khan as captain with Ibrahim Zadran as vice-captain alongside senior picks Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and spinner Noor Ahmad.
- Gulbadin Naib returns to add experience, while fast bowler Naveen ul Haq comes back from a shoulder injury to strengthen the pace attack.
- Chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil said Mujeeb’s inclusion led to AM Ghazanfar being placed among the reserves with Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
- Fazal Haq Farooqi and young quick Abdullah Ahmadzai make the 15, with wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq and left-handed batter Shahidullah Kamal retaining places.
- Afghanistan is in Pool D with New Zealand, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Canada, opening their World Cup campaign on February 8 in Chennai, as ACB CEO Naseeb Khan backs the team to benefit from Asian conditions.