Afghanistan is no longer an underdog; they are a formidable force in international cricket. Their Historic rise began with the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where they stunned the cricketing world by defeating heavyweights like Pakistan and England. They came agonizingly close to toppling Australia as well, only to be denied by Glenn Maxwell’s extraordinary innings.
Their momentum carried into the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they showcased a fearless and dynamic brand of cricket, toppling elite teams including a historic victory over Australia and securing a well-deserved place in the semi-finals. Over the past few years, Afghanistan has evolved into a genuine title contender, blending world-class spin bowling with an increasingly potent batting lineup. They are no longer just a rising team; they are a legitimate threat to any opponent on the global stage.
Afghanistan's fairytale run in the 2024 T20 World Cup came to an end with a heartbreaking defeat to South Africa in the semi-finals. However, they didn’t have to wait long for redemption. Shortly after the tournament, they exacted their revenge by clinching a historic 2-1 victory over South Africa in an ODI series.
This triumph not only showcased their resilience but also a reminder of their status as a rising powerhouse in world cricket. Afghanistan has proven time and again that they are no longer just a team with potential, they are a force capable of challenging and defeating the best in the game.
Afghanistan’s Squad led by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, has announced their 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they are set to face Australia, South Africa, and England. Drawn into what is undoubtedly the "group of death," Afghanistan will have to bring their A-game to overcome these cricketing giants and secure a spot in the knockout stage.
SQUAD FOR CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Sediqullah Atal, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Malik, Naveed Zadran
PROBABLE PLAYING 11:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Gulbadin Naib
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Fareed Malik
- Nangyal Kharote
BENCH:
- Sadiqullah Atal – Atal is a rising star of Afghanistan and on given day he can do wonders and will probably bat anywhere in TOP 3.
- Noor Ahmed – Noor is the mirror version of Rashid Khan the mystery of his yet solved, the pitch will decide his inclusion in Playing 11.
- Naveed Zadran – Naveed is a wonderful fast bowler and will be a backup for Fareed Malik, any one of them play along with Farooqi.
- Ikram Alikhil – Alikhil is a backup wicketkeeper but can play in the 11 as lower order Player.
Afghanistan is set to give nightmares to many teams in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Their fearless and aggressive approach makes them a serious threat, especially in a high-stakes tournament.
At the top, Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s attacking mindset will set the tone, while Ibrahim Zadran’s composed and technically sound innings will ensure stability, preventing any early collapses. At No. 3, the ever-reliable Rahmat Shah the backbone of Afghanistan’s batting will play a crucial role in shaping their campaign. His consistency and ability to anchor the innings could determine Afghanistan’s fate in the tournament.
Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi follows next, bringing his experience and composure to steady the innings whenever needed. Then comes the All Rounders duo of Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib, who will shift gears based on the team’s needs, providing explosive acceleration when required.
But the heart and soul of this squad is none other than Mohammad Nabi Afghanistan’s "Mr. OG" and one of their greatest match-winners. This will be his final tournament in Afghan colors, making it an emotional and significant campaign. A true all-rounder, Nabi can play multiple roles—stabilizing, attacking, or accelerating as the situation demands.
Afghanistan’s real strength, however, lies in their world-class bowling attack. Rashid Khan will spearhead the spin department, joined by either Noor Ahmad or Nangyal Kharote for additional firepower. The pace attack will be led by Fazalhaq Farooqi, with support from either Naveed Zadran or Farid Malik. All-rounders Omarzai, Gulbadin, and Nabi will also provide crucial overs, adding balance to the squad.
With a lethal mix of power-hitters, dependable anchors, and a formidable bowling lineup, Afghanistan is not just a dark horse but a serious contender. Their journey in the "group of death" will be thrilling to watch, and if they play to their potential, they could shock the world once again.
