Afghanistan cricket squads announced for upcoming series

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced its squads for upcoming international fixtures against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Afghanistan will face Bangladesh in a one-off Test match from October 9 to 13 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This will be followed by an ODI Tri-Nation Series involving Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe from October 17 to 23, with matches held in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

Rahmat Shah has been appointed captain for both Test and ODI formats. The squad features the return of fast-bowling all-rounder Ismat Alam and recalled players Shahidullah Kamal and Yamin Ahmadzai. Additionally, spinner Zia Ur Rahman Akbar and Khalil Gurbaz have been brought back to the Test side. Notably, Rashid Khan and Ibrahim Zadran will remain rested from Test cricket due to medical advice.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is expected to join his team in the UAE by October 6. Shanto was delayed after falling ill with an infection during the Asian Games in Japan. While the illness kept him confined to his hotel, medical staff have ruled out influenza and COVID-19, and he is expected to be available for the Test against Afghanistan.