Rashid Khan has made his way back into Afghanistan's Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Zimbabwe. The 26-year-old leg-spinner, who last played in the format against Zimbabwe in 2021, had taken a break from red-ball cricket due to a prolonged groin injury.
The 18-member squad, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, features seven players yet to make their Test debut. Among the newcomers are left-arm pacer Bashir Ahmad and all-rounder Ismat Alam, who earned their call-ups following impressive performances in domestic cricket.
Other uncapped players include Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Riaz Hassan, and Sediqullah Atal, all of whom were previously selected for the abandoned one-off Test against New Zealand in September. That match, scheduled in Greater Noida, was washed out without play due to persistent rain and an unplayable outfield.
Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, Afghanistan Cricket Board’s interim chief selector, expressed optimism about Rashid’s return, stating that it bodes well for Afghanistan’s Test ambitions. Sulimankhil also highlighted the team's rigorous preparations in Nangarhar province, where 19 players and the full coaching staff engaged in intensive training sessions ahead of the series. He credited the Ahmad Shah Abdali first-class tournament for identifying promising talents like Ismat Alam, Bashir Ahmad, and Zahir Shehzad.
With Jonathan Trott unavailable due to personal reasons, Hamid Hassan will step in as acting head coach for the series. Both matches will be hosted in Bulawayo, starting on Boxing Day.
Afghanistan Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Ikram Alikhail (wk), Afsar Zazai (wk), Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Baheer Shah Mahboob, Ismat Alam, Azmatullah Omarzai, Zahir Khan, Zia Ur Rehman Akbar, Zahir Shehzad, Rashid Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad Afghan, Naveed Zadran, Fareed Ahmad Malik.