Afghanistan announce squads for India Test and ODI series, Rashid Khan misses red-ball clash

The Afghanistan cricket team has announced its squads for the upcoming multi-format tour of India, featuring a one-off Test match and a three-match ODI series in June. The tour will see several familiar faces return to the setup, while a few exciting names have also earned opportunities in the national side.

Afghanistan will first take on India in a historic one-off Test at New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10 before shifting focus to the ODI series starting June 14 in Dharamsala.

The Test squad, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, includes top-order batters Sediqullah Atal and Rahmat Shah, along with star all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai.

Atal and Omarzai earn another red-ball opportunity

Young batter Sediqullah Atal and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai have so far played only one Test match each for Afghanistan. Both made their Test appearances during Afghanistan’s clash against Zimbabwe in 2024 and now return to the squad for what promises to be a challenging encounter against India.

Atal has emerged as one of the promising batting talents in Afghanistan cricket over the last couple of years. His inclusion signals the team management’s desire to strengthen the top order with aggressive yet technically solid options.

Omarzai, meanwhile, has become one of Afghanistan’s most important all-format players thanks to his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. His presence gives the side much-needed balance, especially in Indian conditions where seam-bowling all-rounders can play a key role.

Rahmat Shah returns to Test squad

Veteran batter Rahmat Shah also returns to the red-ball setup after missing Afghanistan’s most recent Test against Zimbabwe last year. One of the most experienced players in Afghanistan’s Test history, Rahmat has played 11 out of the country’s 12 Test matches so far.

The right-hander remains a crucial pillar of Afghanistan’s batting unit due to his calm temperament and ability to handle pressure situations. His experience will be vital against a strong Indian bowling attack.

Rashid Khan continues to stay away from Test cricket

One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the continued absence of superstar spinner Rashid Khan from Test cricket.

Rashid has not played red-ball cricket recently because of ongoing injury concerns, and Afghanistan head coach Richard Pybus had earlier stated that the leg-spinner should prioritise his long-term fitness and workload management.

While Rashid remains available for white-ball cricket and has been included in the ODI squad, Afghanistan’s management appears cautious about rushing him back into the physically demanding Test format.

His absence leaves a significant gap in Afghanistan’s spin department, considering Rashid’s experience and match-winning ability in all conditions.

Qais Ahmad to lead spin attack

Without Rashid Khan in the Test side, the responsibility of leading Afghanistan’s spin attack is expected to fall on Qais Ahmad.

The leg-spinner is likely to be supported by left-arm spinners Sharafuddin Ashraf and Nangeyalia Kharote. Afghanistan have traditionally relied heavily on spin bowling, and the trio will have an important role to play against India on what could be spin-friendly surfaces.

The selectors have also included young pacers Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi and Saleem Safi in the squad to provide depth in the fast-bowling department.

Gurbaz headlines ODI squad

For the ODI series, Afghanistan have largely retained the core group that performed strongly against Bangladesh last year. Wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz will once again be one of the key players in the batting lineup alongside Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah.

The ODI squad also marks the return of left-arm seamer Fareed Malik, who last played an ODI in 2024. His inclusion adds variety to Afghanistan’s pace attack.

Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan will add experience and firepower to the ODI side, making Afghanistan a dangerous opponent in the shorter format.

Important tour ahead for Afghanistan

The India tour represents another important chapter in Afghanistan’s cricket journey as the team continues to gain experience against top international opposition.

Playing a Test against India is expected to be a massive challenge, especially given India’s dominance in home conditions. However, Afghanistan have shown steady growth in red-ball cricket and will look to use the opportunity to test their young players on a big stage.

The ODI series, meanwhile, will serve as valuable preparation for future ICC tournaments and bilateral assignments.

With a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, Afghanistan will hope to put up a competitive show during the tour and continue their rise in international cricket.

Afghanistan Test Squad

Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangeyalia Kharote, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi, Saleem Safi.

Afghanistan ODI Squad

Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, AM Ghazanfar, Zia ur Rahman, Fareed Malik, Bilal Sami.