Afghanistan announce 15-man squad for World Cup 2019; Gulbadin Naib to lead in mega event
Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Monday announced its 15-man World Cup squad for forthcoming ICC World Cup 2019. In what will be their just second World Cup, Afghanistan are the dark horses in the competition where they have what it takes to unsettle some of the best sides with the fearless brand of cricket they play. Not long ago, Afghanistan made a major change in their squad by announcing Gulbadin Naib as the new ODI captain of the side.
Asghar Afghan is in the 15-man squad while bowler Hamid Hassan has made his return. The side also boasts of some quality players in Rashid Khan, Mohammed Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Shahzad. Hassan’s comeback remains to be one of the biggest talking points as he last played for the senior team in 2017 and has been battling fitness issues since then.
“Luckily for us, the comeback of senior fast bowler Hamid Hassan is a good news,” Dawlat Khan Ahmadzai, the chief selector, said. “However, we will take into account his form and fitness during upcoming practice matches.”
Afghanistan 15-man squad: Gulbadin Naib (c), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Many of the Afghani players, including Rashid, Nabi and Mujeeb are plying their trade in the 12th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). While Rashid and Nabi represent Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Mujeeb is a part of R Ashwin-led Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).
