Afghanistan's squad for the upcoming one-off Test against Ireland features the potential Test debuts of wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz and legspinner Khalil Gurbaz. The match is scheduled to commence on February 28 in Abu Dhabi. Both players have yet to feature in Test cricket, with Khalil boasting a record of 40 wickets from ten first-class matches at an average of 28.52.

Fast bowler Mohammad Ibrahim makes a return to the squad after being part of the team for the Bangladesh tour in June 2023. Yamin Ahmadzai and Mohammad Salim, previously in the squad against Sri Lanka, miss out due to injuries. Notably, Bahir Shah, with a remarkable first-class average of 60.90 after 40 matches, secures a spot in the lineup.

ACB's interim chief selector, Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, mentioned that the squad includes several new faces who have excelled in recent domestic events. The team underwent a 10-day conditioning camp in Abu Dhabi to ensure full preparation for the series.

The CEO of ACB, Naseeb Khan, expressed excitement about the upcoming Test against Ireland and highlighted Afghanistan's playing history with the team. Additionally, he mentioned Afghanistan's plans to play Tests against Bangladesh, New Zealand (for the first time), and Zimbabwe later in the year.

Afghanistan Squad:

- Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt)

- Rahmat Shah (vice-capt)

- Ikram Alikhail (wk)

- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)

- Ibrahim Zadran

- Noor Ali Zadran

- Abdul Malik

- Bahir Shah

- Nasir Jamal

- Karim Janat

- Khalil Gurbaz

- Zahir Khan

- Zia-Ur-Rehman

- Nijat Masood

- Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai

- Naveed Zadran