Photo Credit: Afghanistan Cricket Board
Afghanistan Cricket Board’s National Selection Committee today finalized the Afghanistan National Team’s Squad for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to be played from February 9 to 14 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
Rashid Khan continues to recover from the back surgery and has not been drafted into the squad. Qais Ahmad has been added to the lineup to provide the leg-spin service in Rashid Khan’s absence. Meanwhile, Naveed Zadran who recently made his Test debut against Sri Lanka, has been included in the ODI squad to face Sri Lanka. Fast Bowler Mohammad Saleem Safi, who recently featured in away tour to India as well as made his Test debut against Sri Lanka, has been ruled out of the ODI series due to a hamstring strain.
ACB CEO Mr. Naseeb Khan is glad about the consistent involvement of the AfghanAtalan Lineup in bilateral cricket and is looking forward to arranging more games in the future. “We have consistently striven to secure more bilateral cricket matches and create a busy schedule for our national teams. This marks our third visit to Sri Lanka in the past 16 months, which is a promising sign moving forward. The selectors have selected a strong lineup and we eagerly anticipate an exciting series ahead.” He added.
Afghanistan Squad for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran and Farid Ahmad Malik.
In addition to the 15-member lineup, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Shahidullah Kamal, Abdul Rahman Rahmani and Bilal Sami are included in the list as reserves.
Etisalat Afghanistan Telecommunication Company and Super Cola Beverages Manufacturing Group of Companies have secured the sponsorship rights of the Afghanistan National Team for the all-format series against Sri Lanka.
Series Schedule:
| Date | Match | Venue |
| 9th February, 2024 | 1st ODI | PICS, Kandy |
| 11th February, 2024 | 2nd ODI | PICS, Kandy |
| 14th February, 2024 | 3rd ODI | PICS, Kandy |
Name of Author: Afghanistan Cricket Board
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is the governing body for cricket in Afghanistan. It joined the ICC in 2001, became an associate member in 2013, and a full member in 2017. The ACB is also part of the Asian Cricket Council.
