AFG vs ZIM: Rashid Khan returns to Afghanistan Test squad for Zimbabwe series

Rashid Khan is set to play his first Test match in over three years as he returns to Afghanistan’s squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Zimbabwe. Rashid last played a Test in March 2021, also against Zimbabwe, but had been sidelined due to a groin injury.  

The 15-member squad includes seven uncapped players, such as all-rounder Ismat Alam, left-arm spinner Zahir Shehzad, and left-arm pacer Bashir Ahmad Afghan. These players earned their call-ups after impressive performances in the Ahmad Shah Abdali first-class tournament. Other newcomers include Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad, Riaz Hassan, and Sediqullah Atal, who have yet to make their Test debuts.  

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) interim chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil expressed optimism about Rashid’s return, saying, “Rashid Khan returns to the Test squad, which is a promising sign for our red-ball game going forward.” He also highlighted the team's preparation in Nangarhar province, where 19 players trained under the support staff to gear up for the series.  

The squad also features three reserve players: Nasir Jamal, Zia Ur Rehman, and Mohammad Ibrahim.  

Jonathan Trott, Afghanistan’s head coach, will miss the series due to personal reasons. Hamid Hassan will take over as interim head coach, with Nawroz Mangal assisting him. Hashmatullah Shahidi will continue to captain the team, with Rahmat Shah serving as vice-captain.  

The two-Test series will take place in Bulawayo from December 26 to January 6.

Afghanistan Test squad:

Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmat Shah (vice-capt), Ikram Alikhail (wk), Afsar Zazai (wk), Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Bahir Shah, Ismat Alam, Azmatullah Omarzai, Zahir Khan, Zia Ur Rehman, Zahir Shehzad, Rashid Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad, Naveed Zadran, Fareed Ahmad