Afghanistan have announced their squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against Ireland, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the team’s white-ball journey. The series will be the first assignment under newly appointed captain Rahmat Shah, while the absence of veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has emerged as one of the biggest talking points ahead of the tour.
Rahmat Shah set to lead Afghanistan for the first time
Afghanistan’s selectors have unveiled a refreshed 15-member squad for the ODI series against Ireland, scheduled to begin on August 5. The tour will also mark the first time Rahmat Shah leads the national side in an ODI series after being appointed captain following Hashmatullah Shahidi‘s decision to step down from the leadership role.
Rahmat, who was recently entrusted with the captaincy in both ODIs and Tests, will have wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz as his deputy. The leadership change signals a new direction for Afghanistan as they prepare to build towards future international assignments.
Despite relinquishing the captaincy, Hashmatullah Shahidi retains his place in the squad and is expected to play an important role with the bat alongside Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal. The batting unit also features Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai and Ikram Alikhil, giving Afghanistan a balanced mix of experience and emerging talent.
Mohammad Nabi’s omission grabs attention
The most notable omission from the squad is veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, whose absence has surprised many supporters. While the Afghanistan Cricket Board has not officially stated the reason behind his exclusion, it is believed that Nabi is unavailable due to his participation in the Global Super League in Guyana.
The 41-year-old is currently representing the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the competition, which overlaps with Afghanistan’s ODI tour of Ireland. Nabi has been one of Afghanistan’s most influential cricketers over the past decade, contributing significantly with both bat and ball across formats.
In his absence, the selectors have opted to strengthen the team’s pace attack by recalling Fazalhaq Farooqi and Yamin Ahmadzai. Saleem Safi has also earned a place in the squad, providing additional fast-bowling depth alongside the experienced Rashid Khan and young spinner Allah Ghazanfar. The bowling combination suggests Afghanistan could rely on a varied attack suited to Irish conditions, where seam bowlers often play a crucial role.
Five-match series to be played across two venues
The ODI series will consist of five matches, beginning at Bready Cricket Ground in Magheramason. The opening two fixtures are scheduled for August 5 and August 7 at the same venue.
The teams will then move to Belfast, where the remaining three ODIs will be played on August 10, 12 and 15. The series presents an important opportunity for Afghanistan to test their new leadership group while fine-tuning combinations ahead of future ICC events.
With Rahmat leading the side for the first time, Afghanistan will be eager to make a strong start under their new captain. At the same time, Ireland will look to make home conditions count in what promises to be a competitive five-match contest.
Afghanistan squad for Ireland ODIs: Rahmat Shah (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (vice-captain), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil, Nangyal Kharotai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Saleem Safi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Zia ur Rahman Sharifi.
