Afghanistan set for Champions Trophy debut: Shahidi

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan’s skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi says they are fully prepared for their maiden appearance in the ICC Champions Trophy.

In an interview with the BBC, Shahidi said the results of their warm-up matches ahead of the major event were not a priority.

He recalled they struggled against Pakistan-A in the first warm-up, but put on a much-improved performance against New Zealand in the second practice game.

"Neither New Zealand was playing to win, nor were we focused on the result. What mattered to us was that the players got practice time, became familiar with the conditions, and regained their rhythm in the 50-over format, which we hadn’t played in the past three months," he commented.

The captain said their primary goal in the Champions Trophy was to win matches and assured the team was well-prepared for the challenge.

He went on to claim that a well-balanced squad had been assembled for the mega tournament, with careful attention given to all aspects of the team’s composition.

Acknowledging the absence of young spinner Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar as unfortunate, Shahidi said the team had four other strong spinners capable of filling the gap.

Ghazanfar, initially named in the squad, was ruled out due to a back injury, with Nangyal Kharoti selected as his replacement.

Shahidi also praised leg-spinner Noor Ahmad as a talented player, who instilled fear in opposition batsmen. He expressed confidence that Noor Ahmad would shine in the tournament.

The ICC 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin tomorrow (Wednesday) in Pakistan.

The defending champions and hosts, Pakistan, will take on New Zealand in the opening match at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

Afghanistan will kick off their campaign against South Africa on February 21 in Karachi. Their second group-stage match will be against England on February 26, followed by their final group-stage game against New Zealand on February 28.

kk/mud