Rashid Khan Returns to Afghanistan Test Squad for Zimbabwe Series
Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner, Rashid Khan, is set to make his return to Test cricket in a two-match series against Zimbabwe, starting on December 26 in Bulawayo, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Monday.
Rashid last played a Test match in March 2021 against Zimbabwe before stepping away from the format due to a recurring groin injury. Known for his dominance in white-ball cricket, Rashid has been a cornerstone for Afghanistan’s success, including their impressive semi-final run in this year’s T20 World Cup. His return is seen as a major boost for Afghanistan’s red-ball ambitions.
“Rashid Khan’s inclusion is a promising sign for the growth of our red-ball cricket,” said chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil.
The ACB also introduced seven uncapped players to the squad, rewarding their standout domestic performances. Among the new faces are all-rounder Ismat Alam, left-arm spinner Zahir Shehzad, and left-arm pacer Bashir Ahmad Afghan.
The full squad for the Zimbabwe series is as follows:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhail, Afsar Zazai, 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.
This series marks an opportunity for Afghanistan to strengthen its Test credentials and build momentum for future international fixtures.
