Mohammad Nabi Misses Out as Afghanistan Announce Ireland ODI Squad
Afghanistan drop Mohammad Nabi, recall Fazalhaq Farooqi and appoint Rahmat Shah as ODI captain for the Ireland series starting August 5.
Afghanistan have announced a refreshed ODI squad for the upcoming five-match series against Ireland, with veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi missing out and fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi returning to the team. The series begins on August 5 and also marks Rahmat Shah’s first assignment as Afghanistan’s ODI captain.
The squad reflects several changes following the recent leadership reshuffle. Rahmat Shah will lead the side, while wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been named vice-captain. The experienced batter takes charge of the ODI team for the first time.
Nabi’s omission is the biggest talking point in the squad announcement. The veteran all-rounder has been a key part of Afghanistan’s white-ball setup for many years, but he has been left out for the Ireland tour.
Farooqi returns to strengthen the pace attack after missing recent ODI action. Afghanistan have also included Yamin Ahmadzai and Saleem Safi in the squad, adding more pace bowling options. Fareed Malik and Bilal Sami have been dropped as part of the changes.
The batting unit will be led by Rahmat Shah, Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Sediqullah Atal. All-rounders Azmatullah Omarzai and Nangyal Kharotai, along with star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, are expected to play important roles during the series.
The five-match ODI series starts on August 5. The opening two matches will be played at Bready Cricket Ground before the teams move to Belfast for the remaining three games.
Afghanistan ODI Squad vs Ireland:
Rahmat Shah (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (vice-captain), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil, Nangyal Kharotai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Saleem Safi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Zia ur Rahman Sharifi.
