Afghanistan has become the latest side to announce their squad for the 2025 Asia Cup, with Rashid Khan set to lead what could be a defining tournament for the emerging heavyweights.
Boasting one of the most formidable spin attacks in world cricket, Afghanistan is ready to challenge the best of Asia without the label of underdogs.
Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi will be joined by the 19-year-old mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar, adding another layer of unpredictability to an already lethal spin attack.
There are a few notable changes to the squad. Hazratullah Zazai, once a destructive force at the top of the order, and Zubaid Akbari, the batting allrounder, have been dropped, while left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote has been moved to the reserves.
While spin takes the limelight, Afghanistan’s pace attack—spearheaded by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq—offers a solid foundation. The inclusion of Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai in the fast-bowling allrounder category adds more variety, ensuring the team has the resources to tackle all conditions.
Main Squad:
| Rashid Khan | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Ibrahim Zadran | Darwish Rasooli |
| Sediqullah Atal | Azmatullah Omarzai | Karim Janat | Mohammad Nabi |
| Gulbadin Naib | Sharafuddin Ashraf | Mohammad Ishaq | Mujeeb Ur Rahman |
| AM Ghazanfar | Noor Ahmad | Fareed Ahmad | Naveen-ul-Haq |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi |
Reserves:
| Wafiullah Tarakhil | Nangeyalia Kharote | Abdullah Ahmadzai |
The 2025 Asia Cup, starting on September 9 in Abu Dhabi, will see Afghanistan enter Group B alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka—an exciting pool that promises some thrilling matchups. The world will get its first glimpse of Afghanistan’s potential during the upcoming tri-nation series featuring Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The days of Afghanistan being minnows in the cricketing world are over, and Rashid Khan’s team now has its best chance to make history by winning their first Asia Cup on familiar conditions.