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Darwish Rasooli to lead defending champions Afghanistan in Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025

Akshita Patel

Afghanistan's squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 [Source: @acb_190/X.com]Afghanistan's squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 [Source: @acb_190/X.com]

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its 15-member squad for the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025. The defending champions, Afghanistan A, will again be led by Darwish Rasooli, who captained them to their historic title win last year.

The squad has a good mix of experience and youth, as 10 players have returned from the 2024 championship winning roster.

Key names such as Sediqullah Atal, Allah Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Zubaid Akbari, Mohammad Ishaq, Qais Ahmad and Nangyal Kharoti will once again represent the Afghan colors.

Darwish Rasooli retained as captain for Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025

A big inclusion this year is Abdullah Ahmadzai, the young fast bowler who recently made his T20I debut in the series against Zimbabwe. 

His strong pace and recent international exposure make him a valuable addition to the squad. 

With strong all-round options, rising fast bowlers, and familiar faces from last year’s winning squad, Afghanistan look ready to defend their crown and continue their dominance in Asia’s most exciting youth tournament.

The AfghanAbdalyan are placed in Pool B, alongside Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, and Hong Kong (China). 

Their campaign begins on November 15 against Sri Lanka A, followed by Bangladesh A on November 17 and Hong Kong, China, on November 19. 

Importantly, all matches will be played in Doha. The tournament’s semi-finals are scheduled for November 21, with the final set for November 23.

Afghanistan’s squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025

Darwish Rasooli (C), Sediqullah Atal (VC), Noor Rahman (WK), Mohammad Ishaq (WK), Zubaid Akbari, Imran Mir, Rahmanullah Zadran, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Nangyal Kharoti, Farmanullah Safi, Qais Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Faridoon Dawoodzai

Reserves: Wafiullah Tarakhil, Sediqullah Pacha, Yama Arab