Afghanistan name pace-heavy squad for Ireland ODIs under new captain Rahmat Shah

Afghanistan name pace-heavy squad for Ireland ODIs under new captain Rahmat Shah

Afghanistan selectors have named a pace-heavy squad for their five-match ODI series against Ireland next month, recalling fast bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Yamin Ahmadzai as part of preparations for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

New Leadership Era Begins

The series marks a new era for Afghanistan cricket, with Rahmat Shah taking over the captaincy from Hashmatullah Shahidi, who led the team in 55 ODIs from January 2022 to June 2026. Under Shahidi's leadership, Afghanistan won 27 matches, including memorable victories over England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands at the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they narrowly missed the semi-finals after finishing sixth.

Shah, who has served as vice-captain since May 2021, brings significant experience to the role as Afghanistan's leading ODI run-scorer with 4,121 runs at an average of 35.22 from 128 matches. He will be supported by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who has been appointed as the new vice-captain for both ODI and Test formats.

Pace Attack Reinforced

The return of Farooqi and Ahmadzai strengthens Afghanistan's pace attack considerably. Farooqi, who last represented Afghanistan in ODI cricket in February 2025, has been in strong form in franchise cricket, taking five wickets in two matches for Dambulla Sixers in the Lanka Premier League. Ahmadzai's recall is even more significant, marking his return to the ODI setup after nearly four years, having last played in the format in November 2022.

Ace spinner Rashid Khan will spearhead the slow bowling department, though his fellow spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from injury. Fast bowlers Fareed Malik and Bilal Sami, who featured in last month's series against India, have been left out of the squad.

Notable Absences

Veteran allrounder Mohammad Nabi is also absent from the touring party. He is currently fulfilling commitments with Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Global Super League in Guyana, with the tournament scheduled to conclude on August 2, just days before the Ireland series begins.

Series Schedule and World Cup Preparations

The five-match series will commence in Bready with the opening two ODIs on August 5 and 7, before the action moves to Belfast for the final three encounters on August 10, 12 and 15. The matches form part of Afghanistan's preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup, scheduled to run from October 4 to November 21, 2027. The tournament will feature 14 teams competing in a new three-stage format including group stages, Super Six, and knockout rounds.

Afghanistan's recent success in ODI cricket saw them secure qualification for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for the first time in the nation's history, capping a period of remarkable growth for the team on the international stage.

Full Squad

Squad: Rahmat Shah (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Nangyal Kharotai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Saleem Safi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Zia Ur Rahman