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Afghanistan U19 World Cup Squad Change: Aqil Khan Obaid Replaces Injured Zadran

The ICC has approved right-hand batter Aqil Khan Obaid as a replacement for Hafieezullah Zadran in Afghanistan's U19 World Cup squad. Zadran was ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a wrist fracture during the team's opening match against South Africa. Afghanistan earned their World Cup place by winning the Asia Qualifier and started their campaign with a 28-run victory over South Africa. The team's next group stage match is against the West Indies on Sunday.

Key Points: Afghanistan U19 WC Squad: Aqil Khan Obaid Replaces Injured Hafieezullah Zadran

  • Squad change due to injury
  • ICC Event Technical Committee approval
  • Afghanistan won tournament opener
  • Next match vs West Indies
2 min read

Aqil Khan Obaid replaces Hafieezullah Zadran in Afghanistan's U19 squad

ICC approves Aqil Khan Obaid as replacement for injured Hafieezullah Zadran in Afghanistan's U19 World Cup squad after wrist fracture.

"Obaid was named as a replacement after Zadran was ruled out due to a fracture to his left wrist - ICC"

Windhoek, Jan 18

Right-hand batter Aqil Khan Obaid has replaced Hafieezullah Zadran in Afghanistan's U19 World Cup squad after the latter was ruled out of the tournament owing to a wrist fracture that he sustained during the team's campaign opener against South Africa.

Aqil was named one of the three reserve players alongside Fahim Qasemi and Izat Noor, who had travelled with the side, when the team announced the Mahboob Khan-led 15-member squad.

"The Event Technical Committee of the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 has approved Aqil Khan Obaid as a replacement for Hafieezullah Zadran in the Afghanistan squad. Obaid was named as a replacement after Zadran was ruled out due to a fracture to his left wrist, which he sustained during Afghanistan's successful tournament opening match against South Africa. He has been pronounced unable to continue his participation in the remainder of the tournament," the ICC said in a statement.

"The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the replacement player can be officially added to the squad. The Event Technical committee of the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 consists of Wasim Khan (Chair and ICC General Manager - Cricket), Sarah Edgar (ICC Senior Manager - Events), Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe Cricket Tournament Director) and Tash Farrant (independent nominee)," it added.

Afghanistan earned their place in the marquee tournament by winning the Asia Qualifier last year, during which they remained unbeaten. They narrowly edged out Nepal based on Net Run Rate to secure their qualification.

Later in the year, Afghanistan defeated Nepal again at the U19 Asia Cup, with Uzairullah Niazai shining by scoring a crucial 61. Niazai also performed well during the Bangladesh tour, amassing 275 runs in four innings.

The U19 World Cup commenced on January 15, and Afghanistan have played just one match so far, against the Proteas, winning it by 28 runs. They'll next face the West Indies on Sunday before concluding their group-stage fixtures on January 21 with a match against Tanzania.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's good to see the system working smoothly with a named reserve player stepping in. The process with the Event Technical Committee seems efficient. Afghanistan's youth pipeline is strong—they qualified unbeaten! Looking forward to their match against West Indies.
A
Aman W
Injuries are part of the game, but at this age and stage, it must be heartbreaking. On a different note, the article mentions they edged out Nepal on NRR. Our neighbours Nepal must be feeling so close yet so far. The competition in Asian cricket is getting better!
S
Sarah B
The depth in their squad is being tested early. Uzairullah Niazai seems to be a key player based on his recent scores. Hope the new player Aqil can settle in quickly. The team has started with a win, which is great for morale.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while the replacement process is fine, I wish the article gave us a bit more about Aqil Khan Obaid's own record or style of play. We know he was a reserve, but what does he bring to the table? Just a small criticism of the reporting.
K
Kavya N
Afghanistan's rise in cricket, from the grassroots up, is truly inspirational. Beating South Africa in the opener is no small feat. Wishing the young team all the very best for the rest of the tournament! May they go far. 🏏

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