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[Saba Sports News] The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has unveiled a 19-player squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against India, starting January 11 at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. The squad includes star spinner and regular captain Rashid Khan, though his participation is uncertain as he recovers from back surgery.
In Rashid Khan’s potential absence, Ibrahim Zadran will assume captaincy, following his successful leadership in Afghanistan’s recent 2–1 series victory over the UAE. A significant addition to the team is off-spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman, returning after resolving his conflict with the ACB.
Mujeeb, along with Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqui, had initially withdrawn from their central contracts to participate in global T20 leagues, leading to ACB sanctions and Mujeeb’s removal from the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League 2023-24. However, after expressing their willingness to play for the national team, Naveen and Farooqi rejoined the squad, and Mujeeb’s inclusion suggests a similar reconciliation.
The series marks the first bilateral limited-overs encounter between India and Afghanistan, with the two teams having previously met only in multinational tournaments. Following the first T20I in Mohali, the series moves to Indore on January 14 and concludes in Mumbai on January 17.
Afghanistan’s T20I squad against India includes: Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem, Qais Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib, and Rashid Khan.