Zadran, Mujeeb out of squad for BD series

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced the national squad for a three-match ODI series against Bangladesh.

The series is scheduled to be played from November 6 to 11 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE.

Afghanistan will be without top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran, who is recovering from a recent ankle surgery in England.

Additionally, frontline spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman is sidelined due to a right phalanx sprain.

In Zadran's absence, left-hand batter Sediqullah Atal, who has six T20I caps, has been called up.

Atal has been impressive in domestic cricket and is currently leading the batting charts in the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024.

Noor Ahmad, who missed the ODI series against South Africa, has been recalled for the matches against Bangladesh, according to ACB.

The rest of the squad remains unchanged from the team that achieved a 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa last month in Sharjah.

ACB CEO Naseeb Khan said, "The calendar year 2024 has been action-packed and successful for the ACB, particularly in white-ball cricket.

“ODI cricket is a top priority for us as we prepare for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.”

He added, “Playing against Bangladesh is always a challenge filled with excitement. I believe this squad will perform exceptionally well and bring glory to our nation.”

ACB Chief Selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil remarked, "Ibrahim Zadran is undergoing rehabilitation after his surgery, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman is unavailable due to ongoing treatment. However, we are pleased to welcome Noor Ahmad back into the squad and include Sediqullah Atal, who has consistently impressed with his performances."

Squad

Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran and Farid Ahmad Malik.

sa/mud