Afghanistan name 15-man World Cup squad

KABUL Cup commencing in Australia and New Zealand about one and a half months later.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)’s selection committee members announced the final side at a news conference at the ACB headquarters in Kabul.

Selector Daulat Ahmadzai said the 15 players were picked after meetings and lengthy discussions lasting two days.

He said the side would play matches against Scotland and Ireland ahead of the World Cup.

Chief coach Andy Moles said talented and experienced players had been given chance in the World Cup squad.

He said the inclusion of young and senior players would have a positive impact on the side, which he hoped would prove their metal in the mega event under leadership of their captain.

Moles said they announced the list after prolonged discussions and full assessments. “We have assessed each player’s abilities and after looking into all the relevant aspects, we announced the 15-man squad and four standby players.”

The side is: Mohammad Nabi Issakhel (captain), Nawroz Mangal (vice captain), Mirwais Ashraf, Najibullah Zadran, Nasir Jamal, Gulbadin Naib, Samiullah Shinwari, Usman Ghani, Asghar Stanikzai, Javed Ahmadi, Afsar Zazi, Shahpur Zadran, Daulat Zadran, Hamid Hassan and Aftab Alam.

The standby players are Shafiqullah Shafaq, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Sharfuddin Sharf and Izzatullah Daulatzai.

The World Cup is scheduled to begin in Australia and New Zealand on Feb. 14. Divided into two groups, 14 nations will feature in the event.

Afghanistan are placed in group A with Australia, England, Sari Lanka, New Zealand, Bangladesh and Scotland.

Group B consists of Pakistan, India, the West Indies, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates.

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