Afghanistan’s cricket team encounters hurdles as they gear up for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. T20I captain Rashid Khan is still on the path to recovery from back surgery, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman, dealing with a hand injury, joins him on the sidelines. Additionally, fast bowler Mohammad Saleem is unavailable due to a hamstring injury.
The squad has undergone significant changes since their last T20I series against India. Wicketkeeper-batter Ikram Alikhil and top-order batter Rahmat Shah have been dropped, making room for newcomers Mohammad Ishaq and Wafadar Momand.
Mujeeb participated in two T20Is against India and featured in the ILT20 before sustaining an injury in Sri Lanka. Saleem, who played the third T20I against India and the lone Test against Sri Lanka, was ruled out of the ODI series due to a hamstring injury.
With Rashid Khan’s absence, Ibrahim Zadran takes charge of the T20I side, continuing his leadership from the series against India and UAE. The team comprises key players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Hazratullah Zazai, and Azmatullah Omarzai. The fast-bowling attack, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi, also includes Naveen-ul-Haq, Fareed Ahmad, and Wafadar Momand. The spin-bowling unit features Noor Ahmad, Qais Ahmad, and Sharafuddin Ashraf.
Afghanistan has faced challenges in Sri Lanka, losing the only Test and currently trailing 0-2 in the three-match ODI series. The T20I series kicks off on February 17 in Dambulla, with subsequent matches scheduled for February 19 and 21. Stay tuned for more updates on Afghanistan’s cricket journey in Sri Lanka.
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