Afghanistan squad announced for series against Ireland

In a press conference held at ACB Headquarters in Kabul, ACB selection committee today announced Afghanistan’s 15-member squad for the upcoming series against Ireland in India.

Fast bowler Shapoor Zadran makes a comeback in national colors after almost one and half years. The pacer last played a T20I in June 2018 against Bangladesh. Young all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, who is touted as a bright future prospect, is also selected in the squad. Opening batsman, Usman Ghani, who was not included in Afghanistan’s series against West Indies in October 2019, is back to the squad as well.

The squad is as follows:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, Karim Janat, Najib Zadran, Asghar Afghan (C), Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Naveen ul Haq, Shapoor Zadran, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Qais Ahmad, Azmatullah Omarzai, Samiullah Shinwari, Usman Ghani.

Addressing the press, Chief Selector Andy Moles said, “We have selected the current best T20 players and hopefully will do better against Ireland”.

Answering to the media questions Mr.Moles added that, Hazrat Zazai fitness dramatically improved and praised the all-rounder ability of Azmatullah Omerzai and leg spinner Qais Ahmad who returned from a successful BBL as a future start which can’t be wasted.

Afghanistan will face Ireland in a three match T20I series which will be played on 6th, 8th and 10th March 2020 at the Greater Noida Ground, India.

The last time when both sides played a T20I series, Afghanistan whitewashed Ireland 3-0 in Dehradun, India. Afghanistan is currently ranked 7th in the ICC T20I rankings while Ireland is ranked 14th.