Afghanistan announces new ODI squad and captain for Ireland series
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has named a 15‑member squad for a five‑match One‑Day International series against Ireland in August 2026. Experienced batsman Rahmat Shah will captain the side for the first time, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz appointed vice‑captain. The squad restores left‑arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi and adds fast bowler Yamin Ahmadzai, while fast bowlers Fareed Malik and Bilal Sami are omitted. Veteran all‑rounder Mohammad Nabi is also left out of the squad.
Key players include spin ace Rashid Khan, all‑rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, openers Ibrahim Zadran and Gurbaz, and spinner AM Ghazanfar. The series opens with two ODIs at Bready Cricket Club on 5 and 7 August, followed by three matches in Belfast on 10, 12 and 15 August. The tour is part of Afghanistan’s preparation for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. Afghanistan previously beat Ireland 2‑0 in a March 2024 series and suffered a 3‑0 loss to India, prompting the pace‑attack overhaul.