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In preparation for their one-off Test against Sri Lanka starting on February 2, Afghanistan has named a 16-man squad, excluding Rashid Khan, who continues to recover from back surgery. Legspinner Qais Ahmad replaces Rashid, having played his only Test back in September 2019. Additionally, Afghanistan has introduced four uncapped players for the Test in Colombo: batter Noor Ali Zadran, left-arm spinner Zia-ur-Rehman, wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Ishaq, and right-arm medium-pacer Naveed Zadran.
Noor Ali Zadran, with 51 ODIs and 23 T20Is since his debut in 2009, is the most experienced among the new entrants. Zia-ur-Rehman, known for an impressive first-class bowling record with 159 wickets in 28 games, also offers lower-order contributions with a batting average of 16.58. Eighteen-year-old Naveed, earning his maiden Test call-up, boasts 35 wickets in just seven first-class matches, including three five-wicket hauls.
Rashid Khan, absent from the squad due to ongoing recovery, last appeared in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Afghanistan last played a Test in June 2023, suffering a defeat against Bangladesh. The squad, captained by Hashmatullah Shahidi, retains key batting figures like Ibrahim Zadran, Abdul Malik, and Rahmat Shah. Apart from the one-off Test, Afghanistan's tour includes three ODIs and T20Is.
The squad for the one-off Test against Sri Lanka includes Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Ibrahim Zadran, Abdul Malik, Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah (vice-capt), Bahir Shah, Nasir Jamal, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Qais Ahmad, Zia-ur-Rehman, Zahir Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, Nijat Masood, Mohammad Saleem, and Naveed Zadran.