Spinner Rashid to lead Afghanistan in Twenty20 World Cup

AFP | Kabul

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Ace spinner Rashid Khan will lead a strong Afghanistan squad announced yesterday for next year’s Twenty20 World Cup.

Rashid’s spin partner Mujeeb Ur Rahman and fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi have also been recalled to the 15-member squad for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka.

Also returning after a shoulder injury is fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq, who last played in a T20I for Afghanistan against Zimbabwe in December 2024.

Afghanistan Cricket Board chief executive Naseeb Khan said the team can improve on their semi-final finish in the last World Cup in the United States and West Indies two years ago.

“Afghanistan had a terrific run in the previous T20I World Cup and we hope for even better results this year, which will be played in Asian conditions,” Naseeb said in a statement.

Afghanistan beat New Zealand, West Indies, Australia and Bangladesh on their way to the semi-finals two years ago.

They will play West Indies in a three-match T20I lead-up series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ahead of the World Cup.

Rashid’s side is placed in Group D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, the UAE and Canada in the 20- team tournament that starts in India and Sri Lanka from February 7.