Mujeeb Ur Rahman, recently embroiled in a dispute with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), finds himself back in the national team squad for the upcoming T20I series against India. Despite refusing to sign the central contract for 2024 and missing the UAE series for the Big Bash League, Mujeeb’s return is notable.
Rashid Khan’s captaincy is uncertain due to ongoing recovery from back surgery, with Ibrahim Zadran set to lead the team. Ikram Alikhil, named as the backup wicket-keeper batter, adds depth to the 19-member squad.
Afghanistan squad: Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmaullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem, Qais Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan
Also read: India Playing XI for 1st T20 against Afghanistan: No Gill-Jaiswal; Rohit-Kohli to Open
ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf expressed delight as Afghanistan prepares for its inaugural three-match T20I series against top-ranked India. Recognizing AfghanAtalan’s recent prowess, he emphasized their evolution from underdogs. The series commences in Mohali on January 11, followed by clashes in Indore and Bengaluru on January 14 and 17. Despite India’s No.1 T20I ranking and Afghanistan’s 10th position, Ashraf anticipates a fiercely competitive series.