The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has decided to host Bangladesh for six white-ball games in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after the end of the Asia Cup 2025 on September 28. The three fixtures of the shortest format will be played on October 02, 03, and 05 in Sharjah, while the ODIs will take place on October 08, 11, and 14 in Abu Dhabi.

It has been reported that Bangladesh could stay back in the UAE after the end of the event to play the bilateral series. Both sides are part of the second group along with Sri Lanka and Hong Kong, and will face each other on September 16 in Abu Dhabi. Only the top two sides from each group will make it to the Super Four stage of the competition.

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India, Pakistan, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates are in the first group. The upcoming Afghanistan vs Bangladesh series will be the second part of what was expected to be an all-format trip in July last year, comprised of two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is.

Afghanistan announces dates for three ODIs and three T20Is against Bangladesh

The schedule was later revised to include the white-ball games, while the series was later postponed to the foul weather in Greater Noida, India, due to Bangladesh’s packed schedule. The two teams have had a rivalry between themselves for the last couple of years, especially since Afghanistan started to do well in the white-ball events.

Both sides have played each other in four bilateral ODI series, with the head-to-head record being leveled at 2-2. Bangladesh won the 2016 and 2022 series, while the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side pocketed the series in 2023 and 2024. It’s level in the bilateral T20I series with Afghanistan, winning in 2018. Bangladesh won in 2023, and a tied series took place three years ago.

Bangladesh tour of Afghanistan 2025

The The Asia cup 2025 will begin on September 9. Afghanistan have announced their squad for the tournament. Rashid Khan is poised to lead the squad in the upcoming tournament. The first game of the Asia cup 2025 will be played between Afghanistan and Hong Kong. They will play each other on September 9 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Afghanistan are placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh and Hong Kong. Before the Asia cup 2025 commences, Afghanistan will play 4 T20Is and it marks as the preparation for the crucial tournament for the team.

The other notable players in the squad are Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Muhammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib and more. The squad is a mix of young talent and experience. Several players who have done well in Afghaniatan’s local T20 league have been picked up in the squad. It would be interesting to see how the team will pan out in the Asia cup 2025 tournament with young talent backing their strength.

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Afghanistan squad for Asia Cup 2025:

 Rashid Khan (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Farid Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Rashid Khan, the T20I captain of the Afghanistan side and the premier spinner of white-ball cricket around the world, had a terrible time during the IPL 2025 for the Gujarat Titans. The leg spinner picked up only nine wickets during the 15 innings of the last season of the IPL 2025 at an average of 57.11, a strike rate of 36.6, and an economy rate of over nine. 

The leg-spinner, who missed the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 due to taking a break from the game, reckoned that it was the wrong decision from his side to turn up in action ahead of his rehab process. Rashid shed light on the entire process of getting back to fitness during a recent interaction, as he features in The Hundred 2025. 

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“Especially after an IPL, you know, I needed a kind of break where my body is back to normal. I worked a little bit on my strength, you know, especially coming back from back surgery, I didn’t have much time to rehab properly, and I think that’s where I made a bit of a mistake to restart my cricket so quickly.” Rashid Khan expressed recently on ESPNcricinfo.

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Rashid is currently playing for the Oval Invincibles in The Hundred 2025 before turning to the SA20 towards the end of the year, potentially. In between, he will take part in the tri-series in Sharjah, besides playing in the Asia Cup 2025. Later, he will also have the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

After time away to focus on fitness, Rashid Khan is back and feeling good 👊 pic.twitter.com/0TIKsmzasT

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 10, 2025

“But after the IPL, I felt like I needed that kind of two months off where I can just focus on my fitness, and when I came here yesterday and bowled, you know, I felt so good in a good rhythm, and the ball was coming out nice out of my hands and my body was allowing me to go through.” The veteran claimed.

“I think these things matter a lot. Sometimes you don’t think about that a lot. You are just trying your best to push yourself. But I feel like being out of the game for some time and focusing on your fitness, and also mentally and physically, I think that plays a huge role. And I think it did for me.” Rashid Khan concluded.  

Afghanistan has named their 22-member preliminary squad for the upcoming tri-series against Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, along with the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Rashid Khan will lead the side in the presence of the veteran white-ball stars, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammed Nabi, and others, as they reached the semifinal of the last Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Rashid didn’t have a great time in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Gujarat Titans before deciding not to take part in the MLC 2025. In IPL, he picked up only nine wickets at an economy rate of 9.34. Mir Mubariz, the ACB’s selection committee member, reckoned that they would hold a two-week preparation camp before the Tri-series.

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‘Rashid Khan is Afghanistan's superstar player. He has always done it for the team. Being in form or out of form, that's a part of the game, but he knows very well how to come back stronger and perform in major events for the team and the country.’ Mubariz stated, as quoted by Cricbuzz, while he indicated potential changes due to injuries.

Afghanistan name preliminary squad for tri-series and Asia Cup 2025

‘The whole world knows Afghanistan has got the best spin unit, with the likes of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb, Mohammad Nabi, and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar. We have also added Namgyal Kharoti and Sharafuddin Ashraf, particularly Sharafuddin Ashraf, who has been doing great in domestic cricket for the last few years and was the Player of the Tournament in the Shpageeza 2025.’ Mubariz explained.

He also shed light on the fact that their captain and coach would decide the opening pair, where they have three candidates- Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atala, and Ibrahim Zadran for the two spots. They will start their Asia Cup campaign on September 09 against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi before they face Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Afghanistan’s preliminary squad for tri-series and Asia Cup

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Ishaq, Rashid Khan (C), Mohammad Nabi, Nangyal Kharoti, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Zadran, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveen ul Haq, Farid Malik, Saleem Safi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a 22-member provisional squad for the upcoming Tri-Nation Series and the 2025 Asia Cup. Star all-rounder Rashid Khan has been named the captain.

The ACB has confirmed that both tournaments will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Rashid Khan will lead the team in both events. According to the board, the selected players will attend a two-week training and preparation camp before the T20I matches begin.

Afghanistan Names Provisional Squad for Asia Cup and Tri-Nation Series

As per the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), the 22-member provisional squad led by star spinner Rashid Khan will take part in a two-week training and preparation camp before the upcoming T20I matches.

Rashid Khan’s appointment as captain is not a surprise, as he is known as one of the best spinners in international T20 cricket. Along with him, spin bowlers like Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad Lakanwal, Sharafuddin Ashraf, and Mohammad Nabi make the spin attack strong and balanced.

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Strong Pace and Batting Options

In the fast bowling department, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Karim Janat offer good pace and swing—perfect for UAE conditions.

The batting unit includes regular names like Rahmanullah Gurbaz (likely to keep wickets), Ibrahim Zadran, and Darwish Rasooli. Young talents like Sediqullah Atal and Wafiullah Tarakhil have also been selected to show their form before the final team is announced.

Afghanistan’s Provisional Squad for Asia Cup & Tri-Series 2025:

Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Nangyal Kharoti, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Zadran, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad Lakanwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Farid Malik, Saleem Safi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has revealed the list of central contracted players of emerging stars and many renowned players, including the captain of the ODIs, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and the star performer Rashid Khan. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the wicket-keeper batter, is also on the list of A-grade players.

Mohammed Nabi, who has already retired from the 50-over format after the end of the Champions Trophy 2025 earlier this year and will continue to be part of the shortest format due to the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, has been kept in the A-category. On the other hand, there are a few emerging stars whom the board has trusted to bring success in the future.

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Ibrahim Zadran, the opening batter of the ODI side, is in the B category of the contract list. In 36 innings, he has nailed 1656 runs at an average of over 50 and a strike rate of nearly 83, thanks to six centuries and seven half-centuries at the best score of 177 that he got against Australia during the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Afghanistan Cricket Board reveals 2025 Central Contract list

Rashid was undoubtedly bound to be part of the A-grade, having scored 1384 runs at a strike rate of over 100 in ODIs, gathering 467 runs in T20Is, and picking up 360 wickets in the two white ball formats of the game. Nangeyalia Kharote, the all-rounder, is the coming star for Afghanistan, as they have already started to put attention behind the player.

🚨 Afghan players with Central contract :

A - Rashid, Gurbaz , Hashmat, Azmat, Nangeyalia, Nabi, Gulbadin, Karim, Naveed, Naveen Zazai, Ishaq.

B - Ibrahim, Rahmat, Fazalhaq, Mujeeb, farid, Nijat, Zia, AMG, Zahir, Kamal, Sharfuddin, Riaz, Malik, Najib, Sediq, bahir, Darwish pic.twitter.com/IpKKcRRsdZ

— ACB Xtra (@acb_190) July 17, 2025

Gulbadin Naib, who has the knack of snatching momentum in the game with both bat and ball in hand, is also in the A-category along with Karim Janat, the 26-year-old bowling all-rounder. Azmatullah Omarzai, who has slowly started to gain fame in the white-ball formats with his bowling skills and power hitting late in the order, has also been given the A-grade category.  

Afghanistan reveals list of central contracted players for the 2025 season

Grade A - Rashid, Gurbaz, Hashmat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Nangeyalia, Nabi, Gulbadin, Karim, Naveed, Naveen Zazai, Ishaq.

Grade B - Ibrahim, Rahmat, Fazalhaq, Mujeeb, Farid, Nijat, Zia, AMG, Zahir, Kamal, Sharfuddin, Riaz, Malik, Najib, Sediq, Bahir, Darwish

The Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL) 2025 is all set to return for its 10th season, starting on July 19 and running until August 1 at the Kabul Cricket Stadium. Organized by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), the tournament is Afghanistan’s biggest T20 league and will feature five teams, each representing a different region of the country.

Over the years, the Shpageeza League has become one of the most followed cricket tournaments in Afghanistan and continues to grow in popularity worldwide. It gives rising stars and national-level players a platform to perform on a big stage. Ahead of the season, the full schedule and team captains have already been announced. With all matches to be played in Kabul, fans can expect high-quality T20 cricket full of exciting moments.

Live Streaming and Broadcast Details

• Television Broadcast: RTA Sports (Afghanistan)
  
• Online Streaming: Cricket.af (Official website of ACB), FanCode (India), ACB’s Official YouTube Channel (Worldwide)

SCL 10: All Squads Details

AMO Sharks: Azmatullah Omarzai (c), Ishaq Rahimi, Abdul Malik, Imran Mir, Hassan Eisakhil, Shahid Kamal, Ijaz Mihri, Sami Shinwari, Noor Rahman, Sharafuddin, Qais Ahmad, Mohammadullah, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Yamin Ahmadzai, Mohammad Gul, Aftab Alam, Babar Khan, Abdullah Ahmadzai

Band-e-Amir Dragons: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mohammad Shahzad, Sediq Atal, Haroon Khan, Darwish Rasooli, Asif Musazai, Sediqullah Pacha, Abdul Hadi, Gulbadin Naib, Nangyal Kharoti, Asif Shah, Qamar Shams, Nijat Masood, Saleem Safi, Khalil Ahmad, Lal Baaz, Izhar Naveed, Allah Mohammad

Bost Defenders: Ibrahim Zadran (c), Haji Murad, Mohammad Akram, Naveed Obaid, Bilal Tarin, Najib Zadran, Allah Noor, Mobin Bakhtyar, Tariq Stanikzai, Karim Janat, Shawkat Zaman, Arab Gul, Yama Arab, Abdul Rahman, Bashir Ahmad, Abdullah Tarakhil, Azim Zadran, Noor Ahmad

Speenghar Tigers: Rashid Khan (c), Ikram Alikhil, Hazratullah Zazai, Zubaid Akbari, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Zadran, Baheer Shah, Shams Karokhil, Ismat Alam, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Yousuf Shah, Farid Malik, Ibrahim Sharifi, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Dawlat Zadran, Lutfullah, Zahir Khan, Naseer Maroofkhil

Mis-e-Ainak Knights: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (c), Afsar Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Riaz Hassan, Wafullah Tarakhil, Khalid Taniwal, Nasir Jamal, Emal Shaheen, Sohail Zurmati, Farman Safi, Zia Akbar, Naveed Zadran, Sayed Shirzad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi, Khalil Gurbaz, Mohib Hamraz

See Also: Afghanistan T20 League: Full Squad and Captain of Speenghar Tigers for SCL 10

Complete Fixture List of SCL 2025

Knockouts and the final schedule will be announced after the league stage concludes.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced the teams for the 10th edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL), which will take place from July 19 to August 1, 2025, at Kabul Cricket Stadium. Leading the Speenghar Tigers this season is Afghan T20 superstar and spin wizard Rashid Khan, who brings not just skill but vital leadership experience to the side.

The Tigers come into SCL 10 with a balanced side having explosive hitters, seasoned all-rounders, and top-class bowlers. With the bat, Explosive opener Hazratullah Zazai leads the top order, supported by the trusty names of Rahmat Shah, Baheer Shah, and young gun Zubaid Akbari. The middle order, headed by wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil, appears to be stable. 

Their bowling attack is led by Rashid Khan himself, ably supported by veterans like Dawlat Zadran, Zahir Khan, and Farid Malik. Emerging stars such as Ijaz Ahmadzai and Naseer Maroofkhil provide thrilling pace options, so their attack is suited for all conditions. With a blend of youth and experience, the Tigers appear to be one of the most balanced squads in the competition.

See Also: Afghanistan T20 League: Full Squad and Captain of Bost Defenders for SCL 10

Speenghar Tigers Squad for SCL 10:

• Rashid Khan (c)
• Ikram Alikhil (wk)
• Hazratullah Zazai
• Zubaid Akbari
• Rahmat Shah
• Rahmanullah Zadran
• Baheer Shah
• Shams Karokhil
• Ismat Alam
• Ijaz Ahmadzai
• Yousuf Shah
• Farid Malik
• Ibrahim Sharifi
• Faridoon Dawoodzai
• Dawlat Zadran
• Lutfullah
• Zahir Khan
• Naseer Maroofkhil

Despite stiff competition, the Speenghar Tigers look like serious contenders for the SCL 10 title, with a solid mix of power hitters, experience, and world-class bowling led by Rashid Khan.

The 10th edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL), Afghanistan T20 league, will be held between July 19 and August 1, 2025, at the Kabul Cricket Stadium. Among five competing franchises, the Band-e-Amir Dragons, led by experienced top-order batter Hashmatullah Shahidi, are being recognized as one of the strongest teams in the competition.

Band-e-Amir Dragons have a well-balanced squad, with all departments well covered. Their batting is stacked with players like Darwish Rasooli, Sediq Atal, and Asif Musazai, who provide firepower and consistency. star wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Shahzad will not just provide much-needed explosiveness at the top but also much-needed experience behind the stumps.

The bowling unit is no less intimidating. With Nijat Masood and Saleem Safi leading the pace attack and with dynamic spin partners Abdul Hadi and Nangyal Kharoti, they are set to take advantage of the turning Afghan tracks. The all-rounders Gulbadin Naib and Qamar Shams rounded out the attack, while Allah Mohammad, Khalil Ahmad, and Asif Shah all added youth to the side.

See Also: Afghanistan T20 league: Full list of players and captain for Amo Sharks for SCL 10

Band-e-Amir Dragons Squad for SCL 10

• Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
  
• Mohammad Shahzad (wk)
  
• Sediq Atal
  
• Haroon Khan
  
• Darwish Rasooli
  
• Asif Musazai
  
• Sediqullah Pacha
• Abdul Hadi
  
• Gulbadin Naib
  
• Nangyal Kharoti
  
• Asif Shah
  
• Qamar Shams
  
• Nijat Masood
  
• Saleem Safi
  
• Khalil Ahmad
  
• Lal Baaz
  
• Izhar Naveed
  
• Allah Mohammad
  

With every base covered—from top-order stability to dynamic middle-order hitters, quality seamers, and one of the tournament’s most potent spin attacks in Abdul Hadi and Nangyal Kharoti—Band-e-Amir Dragons are arguably one of the best teams in SCL 10 and genuine contenders for the title.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced the teams for the 10th edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL), which will take place from July 19 to August 1, 2025, at Kabul Cricket Stadium. Among five competing franchises, Amo Sharks will once again aim for supremacy under the leadership of star all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, who has been appointed captain.

The Amo Sharks have a solid and all-around team this season. Their top and middle order looks promising, with batters Abdul Malik, Imran Mir, and Hassan Eisakhil providing both stability and aggression. Ishaq Rahimi will be the wicketkeeper and adds even more depth to the team lineup. Noor Rahman and Ijaz Mihri are two unknowns, but they could have an X-factor in the batting department.

As for the bowling, it is a great mix of pace bowlers and spin bowlers. The pace unit was led by Fazal Haq Farooqi, Yamin Ahmadzai, and Mohammad Gul, mixing a great combination of experience and youth. Generally, Qais Ahmad will be the spin bowler in key roles, whereas we can assume Sharafuddin is going to play an all-rounder role with bat and ball. Having veteran campaigners like Aftab Alam and Mohammadullah just gives that extra depth in all departments as well.

Amo Sharks squad for SCL 10

• Azmatullah Omarzai (c)
  
• Ishaq Rahimi (wk)
  
• Abdul Malik
  
• Imran Mir
  
• Hassan Eisakhil
  
• Shahid Kamal
  
• Ijaz Mihri
  
• Sami Shinwari
  
• Noor Rahman
  
• Sharafuddin
  
• Qais Ahmad
  
• Mohammadullah
  
• Fazal Haq Farooqi
  
• Yamin Ahmadzai
  
• Mohammad Gul
  
• Aftab Alam
  
• Babar Khan
  
• Abdullah Ahmadzai
  

With a good top- and middle-order core, a decent pace attack, and a blend of youth and experience, the Amo Sharks look well-positioned for a strong campaign in SCL 10.