In preparation for the upcoming 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Afghanistan has announced its formidable 15-member squad. The squad presents several noteworthy changes from the recent Asia Cup and includes the return of Naveen-ul-Haq, while seasoned all-rounder Gulbadin Naib has been omitted despite a strong performance in the Asia Cup.

Under the leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi, this World Cup squad exhibits four alterations compared to the team that competed in the Asia Cup. Notable omissions encompass Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Suliman Safi, and Gulbadin Naib.

Azmatullah Omarzai makes a comeback after recovering from an injury that prevented his participation in the Asia Cup. Naveen-ul-Haq, who last played a List A game in 2021, also rejoins the squad.

Naveen-ul-Haq has played just seven ODIs, accumulating 14 wickets at an impressive average of 25.42. Karim Janat, who returned for the Asia Cup after a six-year ODI hiatus, has been left out.

Gulbadin Naib delivered noteworthy performances during his ODI comeback, particularly in the Pakistan series, where he claimed the openers’ wickets in the third ODI and later secured a four-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup. Nevertheless, he did not secure a spot in the World Cup squad.

Afghanistan’s squad boasts a robust spin department, featuring experienced spinners Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, alongside the talented Mujeeb ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad.

The pace attack welcomes the return of Naveen-ul-Haq and includes Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, and Azmatullah Omarzai.