Afghanistan Cricket Board’s National Selection Committee on Sunday announced the squad for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to be played from February 9 to 14 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
The ODI series follows once the Test, between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, is over.
Excluded from the squad is Rashid Khan who continues to recover from back surgery. Qais Ahmad has however been added to the lineup in Rashid’s absence.
Meanwhile, Naveed Zadran who recently made his Test debut against Sri Lanka, has been included in the ODI squad to face Sri Lanka.
Fast Bowler Mohammad Saleem Safi, who recently featured in an away tour to India made his Test debut against Sri Lanka, has been ruled out of the ODI series due to a hamstring injury.
ACB CEO Naseeb meanwhile welcomed the full cricket schedule for the team and said the board is looking forward to arranging more games in the future.
“We have consistently striven to secure more bilateral cricket matches and create a busy schedule for our national teams. This marks our third visit to Sri Lanka in the past 16 months, which is a promising sign moving forward.
“The selectors have selected a strong lineup and we eagerly anticipate an exciting series ahead,” he said.
Afghanistan Squad for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran and Farid Ahmad Malik.
In addition to the 15-member lineup, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Shahidullah Kamal, Abdul Rahman Rahmani and Bilal Sami are included in the list as reserves.
Series schedule:
1st ODI will be on February 9 in Kandy
2nd ODI will be on February 11 in Kandy
3rd ODI will be on February 14 in Kandy
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