Cricket squads announced for the historic trip

KABUL (SW): For the landmark test match against India and a T20 series against Bangladesh, Afghanistan on Tuesday announced16-member national squads.

Nauroz Mangal, chief selector at the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), said the players have been selected in consultation with the foreign coaching staff after an intensive training camp for over a month. He said the Afghan side would depend heavily on the strong spin attack with as many as four full-time spinners.

There are two debutants in the side. For the T20 series, Darwesh Rasooli has been allowed entry thanks to his notable performance in the four-day match at Ahmadabad. For the historic test match against India, right-arm fast bowler Wafadar Momand has earned the test cap. Najib Tarakai has also made a comeback after a while.

Meanwhile, Hazratullah Zazai and Shahidullah Mandozay failed to impress the selectors despite good domestic performance while Noor Ali Zadran and Dawlat Zadran missed out due to injury.

Mangal said this provides an opportunity for the youth to make a mark.

Test squad. Asghar Stanikzai (c), Mohammad Shahzad, Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Ihsanullah Janat, Nasir Jamal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afsar Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Zahir khan, Hamza Hotak, Sayed Ahmad Shirzad, Yamin Ahmadzai, Momand Wafadar, Mujeebur Rehman.

T20 squad. Asghar Stanikzai (c), Mohammad Shahzad, Najibullah Tarakai, Samiullah Shinwari, Shafiqullah Shafaq, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Sharafudin Ashraf, Mujeebur Rahman, Shahpoor Zadran and Aftab Alam.

ENDS