Image Credit- ICC
Afghanistan’s three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka
kicks off at Pallekele on February 9; Rashid Khan has not healed in time.
Since November of last year, when the 2023 ODI World
Cup took place, Afghanistan’s top spinner has not participated in any
competitive cricket matches due to back surgery. In Sri Lanka, Qais Ahmad, who
has only played one ODI for Afghanistan so far, will take Rashid’s place.
In the SA20, Naveen-ul-Haq, who had given up on ODI
cricket following the World Cup, is playing for Durban’s Super Giants rather
than being a member of the team. Naveen’s SA20 teammate Noor Ahmad will return
to the national squad and miss the league’s last stages.
Afghanistan’s World Cup players Najibullah Zadran and
Abdul Rahman were not included in the team for the ODIs against Sri Lanka. A
hamstring strain kept fast bowler Mohammad Saleem out of action, per an ACB
press release.
All-rounder Gulbadin Naib was called up to the ODI
team after showing off his powerful hitting during the most recent bilateral
T20I series in India. He participated in the 2023 ODI World Cup for Afghanistan
as a reserve player. This time, Fareed Ahmad—who was in the reserves during the
World Cup as well—made it into the starting lineup.
Seamer Naveed Zadran, who made an impact in his Test
debut against Sri Lanka, also made an impact on the ODI team. He has only
participated in six List A matches thus far, taking eight wickets and scoring
29 runs, but he does not have any ODI cricket experience.
“We have consistently striven to secure more
bilateral cricket matches and create a busy schedule for our national
teams,” ACB CEO Naseeb Khan said. “This marks our third visit to Sri
Lanka in the past 16 months, which is a promising sign moving forward. The
selectors have selected a strong line-up and we eagerly anticipate an exciting
series ahead.”