Afghanistan have unveiled their squad for the men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, and the message is clear: spin is their strongest weapon, and they’re going all in. With Rashid Khan at the helm, joined by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Nabi, and the teenage sensation AM Ghazanfar, the team has assembled one of the most fearsome spin departments in world cricket.
A Spin Arsenal Built for UAE Conditions
The Asia Cup is being staged in the UAE — a region where Afghanistan’s spinners feel at home. Rashid has tormented batters here countless times in the IPL and international cricket. Mujeeb’s mystery variations and Noor Ahmad’s left-arm angle complement that perfectly. Add Nabi’s reliability and the exciting Ghazanfar, and suddenly Afghanistan boast five frontline spinners who can each change a game on their own.
For opposition teams, that’s a nightmare. For Afghanistan, it’s their clearest path to glory.
The Ghazanfar Factor
Still only 19, Ghazanfar has already left a mark in ODIs with two five-wicket hauls, including a brilliant 6 for 26 against Bangladesh. His T20 career is yet to truly take flight — this will be his T20I debut tournament if selected in the playing XI.
His career almost took a bigger leap this year when Mumbai Indians bought him at the IPL auction for INR 4.80 crore, but a back injury kept him sidelined. Now fit again, the Asia Cup feels like the perfect stage for him to announce himself to the T20 world.
Rust vs. Readiness
One concern is Afghanistan’s lack of T20I action. They haven’t played the format since December 2024, and their last competitive international was the Champions Trophy in February. By contrast, many of their players have been active in leagues:
- Rashid impressed in The Hundred with Oval Invincibles.
- Noor Ahmad starred for Chennai Super Kings at IPL 2025.
- Nabi stayed sharp in Afghanistan’s Shpageeza League.
- Mujeeb is with Barbados Royals at the CPL.
This blend of franchise experience and international rust makes their form tough to read heading into the Asia Cup.
Batting Reinforcements
While spin takes the spotlight, Afghanistan have made quiet but important moves in the batting order. Ibrahim Zadran returns to add solidity at the top alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz. They’ll likely be supported by Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli, with power-hitters like Azmatullah Omarzai and Karim Janat providing middle-order intent.
It’s not the most intimidating batting line-up in Asia, but it is resourceful. In UAE conditions, 150–160 could often be a winning total with their bowling attack.
The Pace Attack Still Matters
Afghanistan’s fast-bowling options might fly under the radar, but they’ll be crucial in balancing the XI. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq lead the line, while Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib provide seam-bowling depth. Against teams like Sri Lanka or Bangladesh — who play spin well — Afghanistan may need the quicks to make early breakthroughs.
Group B: The First Hurdle
Placed in Group B with Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka, Afghanistan’s opening clash is against Hong Kong on September 9 in Abu Dhabi. On paper, they should progress, but Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are unpredictable in Asian tournaments. Both sides are used to slow, turning conditions and have batters capable of blunting spin.
That’s why Afghanistan’s batting efficiency could be the real deciding factor.
The Bigger Picture
Afghanistan were Asia’s second-best team at the 2024 T20 World Cup, behind only champions India. That rise wasn’t accidental — it’s the result of years of building a spin-first identity and nurturing fearless young cricketers. The Asia Cup is their chance to reinforce that reputation and prove they can not just challenge the big names, but also lift silverware.
And with Rashid Khan rediscovering form, Ghazanfar waiting for his big break, and Noor Ahmad evolving into a world-class weapon, Afghanistan’s spin revolution is far from over.
Afghanistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Rashid Khan (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Reserves: Wafiullah Tarakhil, Nangeyalia Kharote, Abdullah Ahmadzai
