IPL wrap up May 31, then international cricket comes back into focus. And both India and Afghanistan will use this leg as a build up phase for what comes next, especially the 2027 ODI World Cup, where everyone will want momentum not just hope.
Hashmatullah Shahidi has been picked as captain for both groups, Test and ODI. Afghanistan’s cricket board has gone with a combo of proven campaigners plus younger, hungry prospects for this tough away assignment.
Omarzai in Test squad
One of the more discussed parts of the announcement is Azmatullah Omarzai getting a spot in the Test team. The all-rounder has had fitness troubles over the past few months, though the selectors still decided to back him, even with the question marks.
Afghanistan’s camp thinks Omarzai can contribute in both formats, but only if his body holds up during the tour. They believe his all-round skills bring that needed steadiness to the side, in a practical way.
Rashid Khan’s role
Rashid Khan, meanwhile, is included only in the ODI squad. The idea is clear, Afghanistan want to push India in white-ball conditions, and they’re banking on Rashid’s impact there.
Young players get the chance
Afghanistan have also named a few rising players for the India trip. Bilal Sami and Zia Sharifi are among those expected to make noise against a very solid Indian outfit, and do it early.
Bilal Sami has already appeared in two ODIs and has taken five wickets overall. The team management is watching closely to see if he can keep that early momentum going vs India’s top order, because that’s where it matters.
Zia Sharifi has previously represented Afghanistan in Tests and T20Is too. The right-arm pacer will be looking to exploit this opening and translate his pace into results, specially on Indian tracks where conditions can be tricky.
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Afghanistan ODI squad vs India
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafudin Ashraf, Nangyal Kharotai, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi, Saleem Safi, Rashid Khan
Reserve pool: Bashir Ahmad, Bahir Shah, Ismat Alam
Afghanistan Test squad vs India
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafudin Ashraf, Nangyal Kharotai, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi, Saleem Safi
Full Schedule of Aghanistan Tour of India
India series key for Afghanistan
This India tour is a real measuring stick for Afghanistan, as they keep working on raising their level in international cricket. Taking on India, in Indian conditions , against a strong side will give the players useful experience they can’t really simulate at home.
The ODI contests will also help Afghanistan gear up for the 2027 World Cup. Younger players get a platform to stake a claim, while senior members are expected to guide the team through the pressure of a difficult tour.
Afghanistan will want to stay competitive and finish the trip with more positive displays, in both formats, not just one.
