World Cup 2019: Afghanistan squad for the ICC WC announced

Afghanistan Cricket Board on Monday has announced the 15-man squad for the World Cup 2019 to be played in England and Wales from May 30.

Afghanistan qualified for the World Cup 2019 after beating two-time world champions the Windies in the final of World Cup qualifiers. This will be Afghanistan’s second World Cup, the inaugural one being in 2015

The press release on their official website reads, “The final squad was shortlisted from the 23-member contingent that took part in the training camp held in Potchefstroom, South Africa”.

Chief selector Dawlat Khan Ahmadzai was quoted by Afghanistan Cricket Board as saying: “It has been a six-month preparation process for the ICC Cricket World Cup. The mission is to play inspirational cricket in the tournament; I know there are strong teams but we will do our level best to achieve our goals.”

Former captain Asghar Afghan, who was axed earlier this month as captain, has been included in the squad along with fast bowler Hamid Hassan, who last played the sport at a senior level in 2017.
Gulbadin Naib will lead the squad at the cricket’s biggest tournament. Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Shahzad, and Samiullah Shinwari have also been included in the side.

Three reserve players have been also named by the selection committee has also named three players as reserves. These players are Alikhil, Karim Janat, and Sayed Shirzad.

The Afghan squad includes: Gulbadin Naib (capt), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb ur Rahman.

Afghanistan will have its first ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 encounter against Australia on June 1.