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ACB names Gulbadin Naib as Afghanistan captain for Hong Kong Sixes tournament

Arunima Purohit

Gulbadin Naib [Source: AFP Photos]Gulbadin Naib [Source: AFP Photos]

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a seven-player squad for the upcoming Hong Kong Sixes 2025, which adds to the ongoing development of cricket in the country. The tournament is unique in its six-a-side format and quick games that give teams a chance to display flair, agility, and all-round talent, all of which is evident in the Afghanistan squad.

Afghanistan squad to be led by Gulbadin Naib

The team will be under the captaincy of Gulbadin Naib, who is one of the most seasoned all-rounders in Afghanistan, and the vice-captaincy will be Ikram Alikhil. In addition to these players, the ACB has included Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Farmanullah Safi, and Sediqullah Pacha. 

This seven-player core has an excellent mix of power hitting, versatility, and bowling depth, all necessary attributes for the format of Hong Kong Sixes. Gulbadin and Janat are likely to serve as the core batsmen while bringing a little bit of mystery into the bowling attack through Sharafuddin Ashraf’s spin and Farmanullah’s pace. The younger players, like Ijaz Ahmad and Sediqullah Pacha, will be hoping to make a strong impression while quickly adjusting to the event's fast pace.

Afghanistan full squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2025: Gulbadin Naib (C), Noor Rehman, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Farmanullah Safi, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Pacha

Afghanistan’s intent for global exposure

In Afghanistan's case, a tournament like the Hong Kong Sixes is more than just a tournament; it's an important experience for young talent and for senior players to sharpen their T20 skills. It is clear from the ACB's selection that their strategy is to provide international exposure for emerging youngsters with experience in the squad to make for strong leadership on the field.

When the side arrives in Hong Kong, the expectation will be for the side led by Naib to show positive energy and strong results. Afghanistan's noticeability will be as they create a new, exciting, and explosive style of cricket for their players, to entertain and create energy for the next version of the tournament in 2025.