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IPL Superstar Returns as Afghanistan Name Squad For Pakistan ODIs

image-lkzjlotyNoor Ahmad with Afghanistan teammates in SL (Twitter)

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced an 18-player squad for their upcoming ODI series against Pakistan in Sri Lanka. Both Afghanistan and Pakistan are slated to play three ODI matches in the island nation between August 22 and 26. The series, set to be followed by the much-awaited Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, serves as a testing ground for both sides ahead of the ODI World Cup later this year.

Afghanistan’s 18-year-old spinner Noor Ahmad has earned a callback to the squad owing to his impressive run in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023 season.


ACB selector says team formed with World Cup in mind

Noor Ahmad claimed just two wickets in the two ODIs he played in Sri Lanka back in June, all while leaking runs from his end. The youngster was subsequently dropped from the series decider and from the ensuing series in Bangladesh. Currently plying his trade in Sri Lanka for Dambulla Aura in LPL 2023 season, the ace spinner has been called back into Afghanistan’s setup for the forthcoming series against Pakistan.

Meanwhile, players like Mohammad Saleem Safi and Wafadar Momand have retained their spots in the squad following Afghanistan’s historic win in Bangladesh.

Upon announcing the team, ACB chief selector Asadullah Khan claimed they drew a team while considering the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup. He also asserted the importance of the series against Pakistan in terms of preparations for the much-awaited tournaments later this year.

“Our whole concentration is to prepare the team for the upcoming two big events of Asia Cup and World Cup 2023. This three-match ODI series against Pakistan provides us with a wonderful opportunity to prepare the team for the forthcoming two events.”

Afghanistan squad for ODI series against Pakistan

Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi and Wafadar Momand