Shahidi will lead Afghanistan in their maiden ICC Men's Champions Trophy campaign

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced their squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, omitting spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who was previously part of the team for the ODI series against Zimbabwe. Mujeeb has been left out of the squad, while Ibrahim Zadran returns after a long injury layoff. Other notable exclusions include Abdul Malik, Darwish Rasooli, and Nangelia Kharote.

Mujeeb's omission comes after a period of mixed performances, and Afghanistan's Emerging Asia Cup hero, Sediqullah Atal, has earned a spot in the squad as a result of his recent strong form.

The Afghan team will be led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, who will captain Afghanistan in the ICC mega event in Pakistan. After a year-long absence, spinner Noor Ahmad also returns to the squad. The team comprises mostly regular members, with no major surprises in the line-up.

Afghanistan has been placed in a tough group for the Champions Trophy, alongside England, South Africa, and Australia. The group stage matches will take place on February 21, 26, and 28.

Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran.

Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami