Rashid is also part of the side but is unlikely to play as he continues to recover from a back surgery
image of Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Mujeeb Ur Rahman's inclusion in Afghanistan's squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series in India marks a noteworthy twist in his recent cricketing journey. The 22-year-old mystery spinner, initially absent from the national side during the T20I series in the UAE, found himself engaged in action for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL). However, Mujeeb's BBL campaign took an unexpected turn when the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) decided to curtail his stint by revoking his No-Objection Certificate (NoC) for the remainder of the tournament.
This development unfolded following the ACB's announcement on December 25, wherein Mujeeb, alongside seamers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, faced sanctions for their expressed disinterest in signing central contracts for the year 2024. The board conveyed a firm message, declaring them "non-eligible" for NOCs over the next two years and retroactively revoking any existing NOCs.
In a contrasting narrative, Farooqi and Naveen, after engaging in talks with the ACB, successfully demonstrated a renewed commitment to representing their country. This change of heart paved the way for their participation in Afghanistan's recent T20I series against the UAE.
As Mujeeb prepares to join the national squad for the upcoming series in India, the cricketing community eagerly anticipates how this talented spinner will navigate the challenges and contribute to Afghanistan's success on the international stage. This turn of events not only highlights the uncertainties inherent in a cricketer's journey but also underscores the evolving dynamics between players and cricket boards in the modern era of the sport.
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Mujeeb Ur Rahman is set to make a comeback to T20 International cricket, marking his return to the format since July 2023, as he gets ready to be a crucial part of Afghanistan's formidable spin attack. This spin arsenal includes stalwarts like Rashid Khan, Qais Ahmad, and Noor Ahmad, promising a formidable challenge for their opponents in the upcoming T20I series in India.
Rashid Khan, who is Afghanistan's designated T20I captain, has been included in the 19-member squad. However, his participation on the field remains uncertain as he continues his recovery from a recent back surgery. The injury had previously ruled him out of both the Big Bash League (BBL) and the T20I series in the UAE. Reports suggest that Rashid is expected to resume bowling in about 10 days, signaling a gradual return to his full cricketing capabilities.
Taking the helm in Rashid's absence, batter Ibrahim Zadran, who previously led Afghanistan to a 2-1 series victory over the UAE, will continue to captain the side in India. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the primary wicketkeeper, will be supported by Ikram Alikhil, who serves as the back-up wicketkeeper in the squad.
The selection committee has made a few strategic changes for the T20I series in India. Mohammad Ishaq, Sediqullah Atal, and Darwish Rasooli, who were part of the squad for the T20Is in the UAE, have been omitted from the lineup. In contrast, Rahmat Shah retains his place in the squad, showcasing the selectors' confidence in the uncapped T20I player who last participated in the format in July 2022.
Gulbadin Naib and Alikhil, initially part of the reserves for the UAE series, have received promotions to the main squad for the India series. This reshuffling suggests a dynamic approach by the selectors, acknowledging the need for versatility and adaptability in the T20 format.
As Afghanistan gears up for the T20I series in India, the inclusion of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and the leadership role bestowed upon Ibrahim Zadran add layers of intrigue to the team dynamics. With Rashid Khan's recovery timeline uncertain, the spotlight will be on the spin trio of Mujeeb, Qais Ahmad, and Noor Ahmad to deliver impactful performances. As the squad undergoes strategic changes and reinforcements, the series in India promises to be a compelling chapter in Afghanistan's T20 cricket journey.
"We are thrilled to announce our inaugural tour to India for a three-match series," expressed Mirwais Ashraf, the Chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), in an official statement. "India stands as the top-ranked side globally, and it's truly gratifying to witness Afghan Atalan stepping onto the field for a three-match T20I series against them. We firmly believe that AfghanAtalan, far from being underdogs, has demonstrated exceptional prowess in recent times, and we eagerly anticipate an intensely competitive series against the cricketing giants, India."
Afghanistan is set to embark on its inaugural bilateral T20I series against India, marking a historic moment for the cricketing nations. The three-match series is scheduled to kick off in Mohali on January 11, with subsequent fixtures taking place in Indore on January 14 and Bangalore on January 17.
Adding to the significance of the series, it serves as the final T20I showdown for both India and Afghanistan before the much-anticipated T20 World Cup commences in the West Indies and the USA in June later this year. This impending clash promises to be a crucial preparatory phase for both teams as they gear up for the global cricketing spectacle.
Afghanistan Squad for the Upcoming Series:
- Captain: Ibrahim Zadran
- Wicketkeepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil
- Batsmen: Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran
- All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmaullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf
- Bowlers: Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem, Qais Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan.
