AFG

Afganistan

Full Name: Afghanistan National Cricket Team
Nickname(s): The Afghans, Blue Tigers
Year Founded: 2001 (official international debut in 2009)
ICC Membership: Full Member since 2017 (Associate Member from 2001–2017)
Governing Body: Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)

Current Captains (2025):

  • Test Captain: Hashmatullah Shahidi
  • ODI Captain: Hashmatullah Shahidi
  • T20I Captain: Rashid Khan

Coach: Jonathan Trott (Head Coach), Umar Gul (Bowling Coach), Nawroz Mangal (Batting Coach), Raees Ahmadzai (Assistant Coach), Dawlat Ahmadzai (Fielding Coach)

ICC Rankings (as of August 2025):

  • Test: 10th
  • ODI: 6th
  • T20I: 7th
Afganistan cricket

📜 Team Overview

The Afghanistan National Cricket Team has emerged as one of the most exciting sides in world cricket, rising from refugee camp cricket grounds to the grand stages of ICC events. Known for world-class spin bowling, fearless batting, and unmatched fighting spirit, the Afghans have made their mark in both limited-overs formats and are steadily building their Test credentials.

From war-torn beginnings to challenging cricket giants, Afghanistan’s story is a symbol of resilience and passion. In 2025, they are no longer underdogs — they are contenders.

Stay updated with:

  • 📰 Latest Afghanistan Cricket News
  • 🔮 Match Predictions
  • 📺 Cricket Video Gallery

🏆 Afghanistan Cricket History & Legacy

Afghanistan’s cricket journey officially began in the early 2000s, but their rapid climb is unmatched. From gaining ODI status in 2009 to becoming a Full Member of the ICC in 2017, the team has achieved in two decades what took others generations.

Major ICC Achievements:

  • Cricket World Cup: Qualified in 2015, 2019 & 2023 (Best finish: Super 8 stage in 2023)
  • T20 World Cup: Reached Semi-finals in 2024 (historic feat)
  • Asia Cup: Runners-up (ODI format, 2018) and semi-finalists multiple times
  • ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Direct qualification due to ODI rankings

Historic Rivalries:

  • Afghanistan vs Pakistan: Fiery and emotional, rooted in close contests and national pride
  • Afghanistan vs India: A respectful but highly competitive battle, especially in T20Is
  • Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka: Asia Cup encounters have often gone down to the last ball

From the magical spin of Rashid Khan to the fearless batting of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan’s players have become household names in global cricket leagues.

💫 Top Afghan Cricketers

Over the years, Afghanistan has produced world-class talent that has left a mark on the cricketing map:

  • Rashid Khan: One of the best T20 bowlers in history, with records across leagues and formats
  • Mohammad Nabi: Veteran all-rounder and former captain, known for his match-winning abilities
  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Aggressive opening batter with centuries in ODIs and T20Is
  • Ibrahim Zadran: Technically sound top-order batter and ODI run machine
  • Mujeeb Ur Rahman: Mystery spinner with an unplayable carrom ball

⭐ Afghanistan Cricket Records

RecordPlayerStat
Most Test RunsRahmat Shah1,100+ runs
Most Test WicketsRashid Khan40+ wickets
Most ODI RunsHashmatullah Shahidi3,000+ runs
Most ODI WicketsRashid Khan200+ wickets
Most T20I RunsMohammad Nabi2,000+ runs
Most T20I WicketsRashid Khan130+ wickets
Highest Individual ODI ScoreIbrahim Zadran162* vs Sri Lanka (2023)

 

These Afghanistan cricket records across formats highlight the team’s growing dominance in international cricket.

👥 Afghanistan Cricket Team Squad for World Cup 2025

🏏 Batters:

  • Ibrahim Zadran
  • Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
  • Rahmat Shah
  • Sediqullah Atal
  • Noor Ali Zadran

🧤 Wicketkeeper-Batters:

  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz
  • Ikram Alikhil

🔁 All-Rounders:

  • Mohammad Nabi
  • Azmatullah Omarzai
  • Gulbadin Naib
  • Karim Janat

🎯 Bowlers:

  • Rashid Khan (VC)
  • Mujeeb Ur Rahman
  • Noor Ahmad
  • Fazalhaq Farooqi
  • Naveen-ul-Haq
  • Qais Ahmad

This Afghanistan cricket squad for World Cup 2025 combines experienced stars and fearless young guns, ready to challenge the best.

🏟️ Afghanistan Cricket Home Grounds

Due to security concerns, Afghanistan plays most of its home matches at neutral venues, but these stadiums are associated with Afghan cricket:

  • Sharjah Cricket Stadium (UAE): Frequent “home” venue for Afghanistan’s ODIs and T20Is
  • Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground (India): Hosted several Afghanistan home series in the past
  • Kabul International Cricket Stadium (Afghanistan): The symbolic heart of Afghan cricket
  • Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Oman): Neutral ground for training and hosting smaller events

🧠 Fun Facts about the Blue Tigers

🏆 Afghanistan won their first-ever ODI against a Full Member in 2014 vs Bangladesh
🎯 Rashid Khan is the fastest to 100 ODI wickets (44 matches)
🔥 They reached the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-finals, beating Australia and New Zealand
🧢 Mohammad Nabi has played professional cricket in over 10 different countries
🌍 Afghanistan’s rise from refugee camp cricket to the ICC elite is one of sport’s greatest stories
💥 Multiple Afghan players are IPL regulars, including Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Naveen-ul-Haq

📢 Stay Connected with Cricpredictor

Follow the Afghanistan National Cricket Team 2025 with Cricpredictor for the latest updates:

  • Cricket News: Get real-time updates on Afghanistan cricket matches and players.
  • Match Predictions: Expert analysis for upcoming Afghanistan games.
  • Cricket Betting Tips: Data-driven insights for smart betting choices.
  • Cricket Video Gallery: Watch iconic Afghan cricket moments.
  • Cricket Stadiums: Learn about Afghanistan’s home and neutral venues.
  • Betting Websites: Explore safe cricket betting platforms.
  • Cricket Discounts Products: Find Afghan team merchandise and cricket gear deals.

Whether you’re following Afghanistan cricket records, tracking the Afghanistan cricket squad for World Cup 2025, or analyzing their battles in Asia Cup and ICC tournaments — Cricpredictor is your ultimate source for Afghan cricket coverage.