Afghanistan Names 2025 Champions Trophy Squad Amid Calls for Boycott
Afghanistan's campaign will kick off against South Africa on February 21 in Karachi

Afghanistan has officially announced its squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which marks its first appearance in this prestigious tournament.
The squad is captained by Hashmatullah Shahidi and includes notable players such as Ibrahim Zadran, who returns from injury, and Rashid Khan, a key figure in their bowling lineup.
Afghanistan’s campaign will kick off against South Africa on February 21 in Karachi, followed by matches against England and Australia.
The announcement comes amid ongoing calls for a boycott of matches against Afghanistan due to concerns over the Taliban government’s policies, particularly regarding women’s rights.
Despite these calls, both the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket South Africa have stated they will not boycott matches against Afghanistan in ICC events, advocating for a collective approach among ICC members instead.
The full squad comprises:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmat Shah (vice-captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Ikram Alikhil (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran and Farid Ahmad Malik
Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami