Afghanistan is set to make headlines at the Asia Cup 2025 with a spin squad headed by Rashid Khan. The team has signed mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar, who will strengthen their most intimidating department.
With Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi also in the team, Afghanistan’s spin squad appears invincible. The tournament will begin on September 9 in Abu Dhabi, and Afghanistan will play Hong Kong initially in Group B.
[Update] Afghanistan Full-Time Spin Rashid Khan
Afghanistan has Rashid Khan, who has established his name in the UAE tournament with a full complement of backup spinners.
Behind him are the big guns with match experience, such as Nabi and Mujeeb, and Noor Ahmad, who impressed in the IPL and the Hundred. Fans are eagerly waiting for Ghazanfar to play his T20I cricket as he joins the party.
Afghanistan has not featured in any T20I this year, their previous match being an international one in February when the Champions Trophy was hosted. They will feature against Pakistan and the UAE in a Sharjah tri-series before the Asia Cup.
[Revealed] Ghazanfar Brings Mystery Factor
Ghazanfar is already making waves in ODIs at the advanced tender age of 19. He boasts two fifers, including an impressive 6 for 26 against Bangladesh, to his credit.
Youngest Afghanistan cricketers in ODIs:
16y 236d – Allah Ghazanfar in 2024
16y 252d – Mujeeb Ur Rahman in 2017Both made their debut against Ireland at Sharjah.#AFGvIRE pic.twitter.com/i4v5dsVICC
— Afghan Atalan (@AfghanAtalan1) March 8, 2024
He has even played for top T20 franchises IPL and CPL, but an injury has forced him to patiently wait for his debut in the latter.
Now he joins Rashid and the boys to deliver one of world cricket’s most daunting spin tests.
Bhullar’s batting also appears intimidating with the addition of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, and pace bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq plug in the balance for the team.
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong join Afghanistan in Group B, so their journey to the knockouts will be a worthwhile watch.
Amit Mishra’s Take
It is a bold, spin-first strategy by Afghanistan, and it could just pay them their due. Ghazanfar’s shock value enhances the team further, but we will have to watch him on the pitch before we can confirm. If they maintain their calm under the pressure, they could just catch out a few people in this Asia Cup.
