Afghanistan announce ODI squad for Bangladesh tour

Afghanistan has announced a 19-member squad for their upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, set to take place next month. 

However, key players Ibrahim Zadran and spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman will miss the series due to injuries.

The Afghan team will be led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, with Rahmat Shah serving as vice-captain. Noor Ahmed, who missed the recent series against South Africa, has returned to the squad. Ibrahim Zadran, still recovering from ankle surgery, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, dealing with an injury, were not included.

In a notable addition, Sediqullah Atal has been called up to replace Ibrahim Zadran. The left-handed top-order batter has six T20I matches under his belt and recently impressed with an unbeaten 95-run knock that led Afghanistan 'A' to victory over Bangladesh 'A' in the Emerging Asia Cup.

The squad remains largely unchanged from their previous series against South Africa. Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO Naseeb Khan expressed optimism about the team's performance, stating, "Playing against Bangladesh is always challenging and enjoyable. I believe the players in the squad will perform exceptionally and make the nation proud."

Afghanistan Squad:

Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmat Shah (vice-capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran, Farid Ahmad Malik.