Asia Cup 2025: Mujeeb, Ghazanfar Return as Afghanistan Name Full-Strength Squad
The Asia Cup 2025 is just around the corner, and Afghanistan have made a big statement by announcing a full-strength squad for the tournament. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), on Sunday (August 24), revealed a 17-member squad that will see the return of Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, two spinners who had missed the earlier Champions Trophy 2025.
With Rashid Khan leading the side and Mohammad Nabi providing valuable experience, Afghanistan’s squad looks settled, balanced, and ready to challenge Asia’s top cricketing nations.
Key Highlights of the Afghanistan Squad
-
Spin Department Strengthened
-
Mujeeb-ur-Rahman returns after missing the Champions Trophy.
-
Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, the 17-year-old spin sensation, also makes a comeback.
-
Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad complete a strong spin attack.
Afghanistan’s identity in world cricket has always revolved around their spin strength, and this squad reaffirms that legacy.
-
-
Batting Core
-
Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli form the backbone of the batting.
-
Sediqullah Atal provides middle-order solidity.
-
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Ishaq serve as wicketkeeper-batters.
Gurbaz, in particular, will be crucial in giving Afghanistan explosive starts.
-
-
All-Round Options
-
Veterans like Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib bring balance.
-
Younger all-rounders like Azmatullah Omarzai and Karim Janat ensure versatility.
With so many multi-skilled players, Afghanistan have a flexible squad that can adapt to conditions.
-
-
Pace Attack
-
Fazalhaq Farooqi will spearhead the pace unit.
-
Naveen-ul-Haq makes his 2025 return after quitting ODIs earlier.
-
Farid Ahmad Malik adds depth to the seam bowling.
Though pace has traditionally been Afghanistan’s weaker link, Farooqi’s left-arm angle and Naveen’s variations give them hope.
-
-
Travelling Reserves
-
Wafiullah Tarakhail
-
Nangyal Kharote
-
Abdullah Ahmadzai
These young players will gain valuable exposure while staying ready for any last-minute changes.
-
Afghanistan’s Road to Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan will begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign on September 9 against Hong Kong in the tournament opener. Ahead of the main tournament, Afghanistan will also play a tri-series with UAE and Pakistan, allowing the squad to build momentum.
The inclusion of Mujeeb and Ghazanfar adds immense strength to the side. Rashid Khan, who has matured as both a leader and a match-winner, will be banking on his seasoned spinners and young batters to push Afghanistan closer to a maiden Asia Cup title.
Why This Squad Matters
Afghanistan cricket has come a long way in the last decade. From being an emerging nation, they are now a serious competitor in global cricket. The presence of experienced stars like Mohammad Nabi, mixed with youthful talent like Ghazanfar and Ibrahim Zadran, makes this squad exciting.
If the batters can support their world-class spinners, Afghanistan could very well cause major upsets in the Asia Cup and even aim for the final.
Afghanistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025
-
Rashid Khan (c)
-
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
-
Ibrahim Zadran
-
Darwish Rasooli
-
Sediqullah Atal
-
Azmatullah Omarzai
-
Karim Janat
-
Mohammad Nabi
-
Gulbadin Naib
-
Sharafuddin Ashraf
-
Mohammad Ishaq
-
Noor Ahmad
-
Mujeeb-ur-Rahman
-
Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar
-
Farid Ahmad Malik
-
Fazalhaq Farooqi
-
Naveen-ul-Haq
Travelling Reserves: Wafiullah Tarakhail, Nangyal Kharote, Abdullah Ahmadzai
Final Thoughts
The Asia Cup 2025 Afghanistan squad looks well-rounded and full of promise. The combination of youth and experience, spinners and pacers, makes this side one of the strongest Afghanistan has fielded in an ICC/ACC event.
With Rashid Khan at the helm and players like Mujeeb, Ghazanfar, and Nabi bringing balance, Afghanistan will enter the Asia Cup with high expectations.
Fans will be hoping that this squad, with its depth and talent, can create history and bring home Afghanistan’s first-ever Asia Cup trophy.
