Image Source: ACB/X
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has unveiled its squad for the upcoming one-off Test against New Zealand, scheduled to take place in Greater Noida, India on September 9. This critical selection was made from a group of 20 players who underwent rigorous training in the Indian city. The final squad consists of 16 players.
The ACB announced the team on Friday, emphasizing the performances during the preparation camp. The ACB Selection Committee named a 16-member squad for the only test match against New Zealand starting this Monday, in Greater Noida, India. The squad is finalized based on players’ performance in the preparation camp,” the Afghanistan Cricket Board said in a statement.
Notable Omissions
Gulbadin Naib, a veteran in white-ball cricket, did not make the cut. Naib, despite being a constant presence in shorter formats, has yet to make his Test debut. Fast bowlers Naveed Zadran, Yama Arab, and Farid Ahmed Malik were also left out. Naveed’s exclusion is due to a side strain injury, which requires him to rest for 3-4 weeks. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has confirmed that he is expected to be fit for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, starting on September 18.
With Naib absent and Naveed sidelined due to injury, these key omissions will shape the dynamics of the upcoming Test.
Wicketkeeper Trio in the Squad
The squad includes three wicketkeepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Ali Khil, and Afsar Zazai. Gurbaz is the regular stumper, while Ikram Ali Khil and Afsar Zazai will provide additional backup. The selection of three wicketkeepers indicates the importance placed on this position, likely due to the changing dynamics on the field and the unpredictability of the match ahead.
Rashid Khan’s Absence
Rashid Khan, a prominent player, was not included in the preliminary squad and subsequently the final Test squad. According to a Cricbuzz report, his absence is due to medical reasons. Following Rashid Khan’s back operation last year, his doctors advised him to refrain from participating in long-format cricket, which is Test cricket, for one year,” confirmed Naseeb Khan, Chief Executive of the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Rashid is expected to return to the Test format for the two match series against Zimbabwe in December.
Squad Highlights
Hashmatullah Shahidi, the captain, will lead the team with a blend of experienced and young players. Here is the complete squad:
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Riaz Hassan
- Abdul Malik
- Rahmat Shah
- Baheer Shah Mahboob
- Ikram Ali Khil (wk)
- Shahidullah Kamal
- Afsar Zazai (wk)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Zia Ur Rahman Akbar
- Shams Ur Rahman
- Qais Ahmad
- Zahir Khan
- Nijat Masood
- Khalil Ahmad
The squad reflects a strategic mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents aimed at taking on the New Zealand challenge.
Insight into Players’ Form and Fitness
While the Afghanistan team has put significant effort into this Test preparation, Rashid Khan’s preventive rest post his back operation is a significant talking point. Observers believe that Rashid Khan’s presence could have been a game-changer, considering his international experience and skills in various formats of cricket.
Naib’s omission also raises questions, given his experience in white-ball formats and his potential impact in Test matches. However, focusing on players’ form and fitness levels seen during the preparatory camp suggests a thoughtful and forward-looking selection process by the ACB.
Expectations and Challenges Ahead
Afghanistan’s cricket team is evolving, and this one-off Test against New Zealand will be a significant learning exposure. The team has shown promise in various formats of cricket and facing a team like New Zealand will test their skills and resolve.
For the young players in the squad, this Test match offers an opportunity to mark their presence on an international stage, while for the seasoned players, it’s a platform to reinforce their stature and help the team climb new heights in the Test arena.
Selectors will be keenly observing the individual performances as they present a strong case for future selections and international assignments. The upcoming ODI series against South Africa and the prospective test series against Zimbabwe later this year will further the team’s ambitions and develop the core squad.
Putting it all together, the Afghanistan squad for the New Zealand Test is a blend of promise and pragmatism. The inclusion of multiple wicketkeepers, the choice of young bowlers, and the cautious approach with senior players like Rashid Khan and Gulbadin Naib paint a picture of a cricket board aiming for sustained success and growth in all formats of the game. The stage is now set, and cricket fans around the world are eagerly waiting for September 9 to see what this Afghan team will bring onto the field.
