Afghanistan Cricket Board Selection Committee announced Afghanistan’s squad for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

The final squad was shortlisted from the 23-member contingent that took part in the training camp held in Potchefstroom, South Africa. As per the selection committee, the squad was selected considering the fitness and performance over the last six months, reports cricket.af.

Afghanistan Cricket Board Selection Committee announced Afghanistan’s squad for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

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The squad is as follows:

Gulbadin Naib (C), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari, Mohammad Nabi, CRashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan and Mujeeb ur Rahman.

The committee also announced that three players, namely: Ikram Alikhil, Karim Janat and Sayed Shirzad are considered as reserve players.

Chief Selector, Dawlat Khan Ahmadzai commented, ‘It is has been a six-month preparation process for the ICC Cricket World Cup. The mission is to play inspirational cricket in the tournament; I know there are strong teams but we will do our level best to achieve our goals.’

Ahmadzai added,‘As chief selector, It is my duty to select a competitive team. However, there were some challenges that we needed to handle. We selected the best squad considering factors such as experience, fitness, team balance, current form and conditions.’

‘We hope to play great cricket without any fear and with a fighting spirit in the tournament’ said the Chief selector.

Remarking on veteran Pacer Hamid Hassan’s inclusion in the squad, Ahmadzai added, ‘Luckily for us, the come-back of senior Fast bowler Hamid Hassan is a good news. However, we will take into account his form and fitness during upcoming practice matches.’

Ahmadzai further added that since the World Cup will be played with league system, every team will play nine matches. Taking this into account, the young wicketkeeper batsman Ikram Alikhil has also been placed in the reserve list.

‘The final decision has been made based on many facts and considerations. I would like to thank all those who continue to support our national heroes.’ The Chief selector concluded.

Afghanistan will commence its ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 campaign against Australia on 1st June.