The Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced a 19-member squad for a three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, featuring Emerging Teams Asia Cup star Sediqullah Atal. Exclusions due to injuries include Ibrahim Zadran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The series begins on November 6 in Sharjah.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced a 19-member squad for the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh, which comprises three matches. Notably, the squad features a 23-year-old talent from the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, Sediqullah Atal, among other strategic changes. In addition to Atal, two players have been added to the squad that previously triumphed over South Africa in a 2-1 ODI series last month: Noor Ahmad and Sediqullah Atal. Conversely, Ibrahim Zadran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have been excluded from the selection due to health issues. Ibrahim is currently recovering from an ankle surgery, while Mujeeb is not yet fit to compete due to a right phalanx sprain. Chief selector of ACB, Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, commented on the absence of the aforementioned players, stating, “Ibrahim Zadran is currently undergoing rehabilitation and continues to recover from the surgery he recently had. Mujeeb Ur Rahman also remains unavailable due to ongoing treatment.” He further elaborated on the additions, remarking, “However, Noor Ahmad is back in the squad, and we have included a promising top-order batter in Sediqullah Atal, who has impressed everyone with his consistent top performances.” Naseeb Khan, the CEO of ACB, highlighted the successful tenure of the Afghan cricket team in 2024, emphasizing its focus on ODI cricket, which serves as crucial preparation for the impending ICC Champions Trophy. “The calendar year 2024 has been action-packed and quite successful for the ACB and the AfghanAtalan lineup, particularly in white-ball cricket. ODI cricket has been a top priority for us, as it helps us prepare the team for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy,” Khan stated. He also expressed optimism regarding the upcoming matches against Bangladesh, stating, “Playing against Bangladesh has always been challenging and full of joy. I believe the group of players selected for this series will perform exceptionally well and bring more glory to our nation.” The ODI series against Bangladesh is scheduled to commence on November 6, with the second and third matches taking place on November 9 and November 11, respectively, all in Sharjah.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) plays a vital role in the organization and oversight of cricket activities in Afghanistan, including the formation and management of national teams for various formats of the game. The upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh is an important event for the team as they prepare for future international competitions, including the ICC Champions Trophy. Recent player selections and changes in the squad reflect a strategic approach taken by the ACB to optimize team performance, particularly in the white-ball format.
In summary, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced a 19-member squad for the ODI series against Bangladesh, including Emerging Teams Asia Cup standout Sediqullah Atal. The exclusion of Ibrahim Zadran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman due to injuries emphasizes the adjustments being made for optimal squad performance. With the series en route to commence on November 6, there remains optimism from both ACB officials and fans alike regarding the potential successes of the Afghan team.
Original Source: www.indiatvnews.com
