Farooqi returns, Nabi omitted as Afghanistan announce squad for ODIs against Ireland
Kabul, July 24
Left-arm fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi has made a return to Afghanistan's ODI squad for the five-game series against Ireland, while veteran off-spin bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been omitted from the 15-member squad, said the Afghanistan Cricket Board on Friday.
Experienced batter Rahmat Shah will lead the side in his first assignment as a full-time ODI captain of Afghanistan. He recently took over the leadership duties from Hashmatullah Shahidi, who continues in the 50-over set-up purely as a batter.
The selection committee overhauled the pace department from their 3-0 ODI series defeat to India by drafting in Farooqi along with pacers Yamin Ahmadzai and Saleem Safi.
As a result, fast bowlers Fareed Malik and Bilal Sami, who were in the main squad against India, have been demoted to the reserve list alongside leg-spinner Qais Ahmad and pacer Bashir Ahmad, even as Nabi remains the most prominent absentee from the squad.
The rest of the squad maintains familiar stability, featuring star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, and off-spinner AM Ghazanfar. The five-match series begins with the opening two fixtures at the Bready Cricket Club in Bready on July 5 and 7.
It is followed by the remaining three ODIs to be played at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on July 10, 12, and 15 respectively. Afghanistan last faced Ireland in an ODI series in March 2024, which they won 2-0.
Afghanistan ODI Squad: Rahmat Shah (c), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darwish Rasooli, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Azmatullah Omarzai, Nangyal Kharotai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Saleem Safi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
Reserves: Qais Ahmad, Fareed Malik, Bilal Sami, Bashir Ahmad.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting selection – dropping Nabi seems harsh given his all-round contributions, but maybe they're looking at younger blood. Rahmat Shah as captain is a good move; he's been consistent. Ireland series should be a good test for this revamped bowling attack.
As an Indian fan, I admire Afghanistan's fearless cricket. Farooqi's return strengthens their pace attack, and Rahmat Shah deserves the captaincy. But Nabi's omission is surprising – his spin and lower-order hitting have won them matches. Hope he makes a comeback. 🙏
Afghanistan cricket is on the rise, but dropping Nabi might hurt their balance. He's a proven match-winner in ODIs. Still, brave to give young pacers a chance after the India series. Rahmat Shah leading from the front could be the X-factor. Let's see how they fare in Irish conditions.
Exciting to see Saleem Safi and Yamin Ahmadzai in the squad – new faces bring energy. But honestly, Nabi should have been retained for his experience; he's been a pillar of Afghan cricket. Hope the management knows what they're doing. 🇦🇫
Nabi's omission is a big talking point – he's the heartbeat of this team. But maybe the selectors want to test bench strength ahead of the World Cup. Farooqi's return is a plus. Rahmat as captain is a wise choice; he leads by example. Let's back the boys! 💪
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