The 17th edition of the Asia Cup will be more exciting than ever. With the competition taking place in the T20 International (T20I) format, it presents a great opportunity for teams to fine-tune their squads ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Among the participating teams, Afghanistan has emerged as a strong contender in T20 cricket. With a min of experienced players and young talents, the Asia Cup 2025 Afghanistan squad is expected to be highly competitive.
In this article, we explore Afghanistan’s team composition, potential team selection, key players to watch, and their chances in the upcoming Asia Cup.
Afghanistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan’s players list for the Asia Cup 2025 is a well-balanced. With Rashid Khan leading the side, they have a strong spin attack, aggressive batters, and reliable all-rounders.
The inclusion of players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Mohammad Nabi adds depth to both the batting and bowling departments.
Afg’s recent performances in T20 cricket show they are ready to compete with the top sides. However, to go far in the tournament, they will need their middle order to step up and their pace bowlers to deliver under pressure, ensuring they stay consistent in crucial moments.
Let’s see the Asia Cup 2025 Afghanistan players list:
| Player Name | Role |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Wicketkeeper |
| Ibrahim Zadran | Batter |
| Najibullah Zadran | Batter |
| Mohammad Ishaq | Wicketkeeper |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | All-rounder |
| Mohammad Nabi | All-rounder |
| Gulbadin Naib | All-rounder |
| Karim Janat | All-rounder |
| Rashid Khan (c) | All-rounder |
| Nangyal Kharoti | All-rounder |
| Mujeeb ur Rahman | Bowler |
| Noor Ahmad | Bowler |
| Naveen ul Haq | Bowler |
| Fazalhaq Farooqui | Bowler |
| Fareed Ahmad Malik | Bowler |
Asia Cup 2025 Afghanistan Captain
A big question leading up to the tournament is: Who will lead them?
Currently, Rashid Khan is the leader of the side. As one of the best T20 players in the world, his leadership, game awareness, and ability to deliver match-winning performances make him a natural choice.
However, Mohammad Nabi could also be considered, given his vast experience in international cricket. If Afg wants an experienced skilled leader, Nabi could step in as skipper.
Afg Key Players to Watch Out For
They have several match-winners who can turn the game in their favor. Here are some key players to keep an eye on:
- Rashid Khan – The backbone of T20 setup, Rashid’s leg-spin and power-hitting in the lower order make him a game-changer.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz – An aggressive opener known for his fearless batting, Gurbaz can provide them with explosive starts.
- Mohammad Nabi – One of the most experienced players, Nabi’s all-round skills and leadership will be crucial for their success.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman – His mystery spin can trouble even the best batters, especially on spin-friendly pitches.
- Naveen-ul-Haq – A talented fast bowler with excellent variations, Naveen’s death bowling will be key in tight matches.
These players will play a vital role in their chances at the Asia Cup and their preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Strengths of the Afghanistan
1. World-Class Spin Attack
The biggest strength of this team will be their spin attack. With players like:
- Rashid Khan – A top-ranked T20 bowler
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman – Mystery spinner
- Noor Ahmad – Young left-arm spinner
They will be dangerous on spin-friendly pitches in Indian and Sri Lanka.
2. Explosive Batting Line-up
Afg has some of the most aggressive batters in the tournament. Players like:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Known for his power-hitting
- Hazratullah Zazai – Capable of quick starts
- Najibullah Zadran – Middle-order powerhouse
Their ability to score quickly will be a major advantage in the Afghanistan squad.
3. All-Rounder Depth
Having multiple all-rounders like Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, and Azmatullah Omarzai gives them great balance. They can contribute with both bat and ball.
Challenges for Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2025
1. Middle-Order Stability
While the top order is explosive, Afg has struggled with middle-order collapses in high-pressure games. Players like Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi will need to step up.
2. Pace Bowling Consistency
Although Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq have performed well, the Afg side lacks depth in fast bowling compared to sides like India and Pakistan.
3. Handling Pressure in Knockout Matches
Afg has come close to winning crucial games but has often faltered under pressure. The team needs to work on their mental toughness to succeed in Asia Cup 2025.
Probable Playing XI for Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2025
Based on the depth and player form, here’s a potential playing XI:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk),
- Ibrahim Zadran,
- Azmatullah Omarzai,
- Mohammad Ishaq (wk),
- Mohammad Nabi,
- Gulbadin Naib,
- Rashid Khan (c),
- Mujeeb ur Rahman,
- Noor Ahmad
- Naveen ul Haq,
- Fazalhaq Farooqui
This players list includes a strong top order, best all-rounders, and a balanced bowling attack.
Overall, the Afghanistan squad for the Asia Cup 2025 is undoubtedly a competitive force in the tournament. They have key players like Rashid Khan, Mohammed Nabi, and a lot more firepower to challenge any team.
With Rashid as skipper, they will aim to create history and secure a spot in the final. And, since their team is strong, they might win their maiden trophy. If their key players step up, they could be one of the biggest threats to top sides like India and Pakistan.
What are your thoughts on Afghanistan? Can they win the Asia Cup?
Let us know in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is the skipper of the Afghanistan squad for Asia Cup 2025?
A. Currently, Rashid Khan is the leader of the side. But, Mohammad Nabi could also be considered due to his seniority and vast T20 experience.
Q2. What are Afghanistan’s strengths in the Asia Cup 2025?
A. Their key strengths include a world-class spin attack (Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad), explosive batting power (Gurbaz, Zadran), and experienced all-rounders (Nabi, Naib).
Q3. Can Afghanistan win the Asia Cup 2025?
A. Yes, if they plays consistently and their key players perform under pressure, they have a strong chance to reach the finals. In the past few years, they showed their potential to win the tournament as well.
