Afghanistan Unveils Formidable Squad for 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup; Star Pacer’s Remarkable Comeback After Two Years!

Afghanistan has unveiled its formidable 15-member squad for the upcoming 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, set to take place in India next month. The squad, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, features a blend of experienced players and promising talents. Notably, Naveen-ul-Haq makes a comeback to the ODI squad after a two-year hiatus, while Gulbadin Naib, despite his impressive performances in the ongoing Asia Cup, misses out on selection. 

Naveen ul Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai’s Comeback

Naveen-ul-Haq’s return to the Afghanistan ODI squad for the World Cup marks his comeback after a two-year absence. The talented all-rounder’s inclusion adds depth and versatility to the team. However, senior all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, despite his strong showing in the Asia Cup, has not been included in the squad. The team management has made four changes from the group that played in the Asia Cup, with Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Suliman Safi, and Naib missing out. 

Azmatullah Omarzai, who missed the Asia Cup due to injury, has made a successful recovery and returns to the squad for the World Cup. His inclusion provides a boost to Afghanistan’s batting lineup. Additionally, Naveen-ul-Haq, who last played a List A game in 2021, has earned his place back in the squad, showcasing the selectors’ faith in his abilities. 

Karim Janat and Gulbadin Naib Dropped

Naveen-ul-Haq has played a limited number of ODIs, with seven appearances to date. However, his impressive record of 14 wickets at an average of 25.42 highlights his potential impact on the team’s bowling attack. On the other hand, Karim Janat, who made a comeback to ODI cricket after a six-year gap for the Asia Cup, has been dropped from the squad. 

Gulbadin Naib, who made a remarkable ODI comeback during the Pakistan series, showcasing his skills with crucial wickets, and later delivering a four-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup, has surprisingly been left out of the World Cup squad. Despite his recent success, the team management has opted for other options in the squad. 

Afghanistan’s squad boasts a formidable spin department, with the presence of experienced spinners Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. The team also features the talented duo of Mujeeb ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad, adding depth and variety to their spin bowling options. In the pace department, the return of Naveen-ul-Haq strengthens the attack, alongside Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, and Azmatullah Omarzai. 
Afghanistan World Cup Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq.

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