Afghanistan cricket team have recently announced their 15-man World Cup squad and surprisingly called back pacer Hamid Hassan after three years. Afghanistan will begin their ICC World Cup 2019 campaign against the defending champions Australia on June 1 at the Bristol County Ground, Bristol.
Hamid Hassan’s inclusion came at the expense of Shapoor Zadran, whose ODI numbers have been on the wane.
Despite facing public criticism from senior players like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi for changing captains just ahead of an important tournament liked World Cup, Afghanistan have persisted with their decision to name Gulbadin Naib as their ODI captain.
“Luckily for us, the comeback of senior fast bowler Hamid Hassan is a good news. However, we will take into account his form and fitness during upcoming practice matches,” said the chief selector, Dawlat Khan Ahmadzai.
As for the openers, Afghanistan have two options in Noor Ali Zadran and Hazratullah Zazai to partner with Mohammad Shahzad, who is a guaranteed starter for his batting and wicket-keeping.
In the spin department, Afghanistan decided to stick to just Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi as their primary options.
Afghanistan’s 15-man ICC World Cup 2019 squad:
Gulbadin Naib (c), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
ICC World Cup 2019: Full squad of all 10 cricket teams
