The inclusion of Asghar Afghan, the former captain, and the return of Hamid Hassan, the fast bowler, was the big news as Afghanistan announced their 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 on Monday, 22 April, reported ICC.
Hassan, 31-year-old fast bowler, last played the sport at a senior level in 2017, with fitness issues hampering his involvement since. He has, however, made a dramatic comeback to the squad, although his fitness remains under scrutiny.
“Luckily for us, the comeback of senior fast bowler Hamid Hassan is a good news,” Dawlat Khan Ahmadzai, the chief selector, said. “However, we will take into account his form and fitness during upcoming practice matches.”
JUST IN – Afghanistan announce squad for #CWC19!
Asghar Afghan named in the Gulbadin Naib-led World Cup squad, with fast-bowler Hamid Hassan making his return! pic.twitter.com/TvpSiBSpoi
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) April 22, 2019
Afghan, who was axed as captain earlier this month, was included as well, but Gulbadin Naib will captain the side. Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Shahzad and Samiullah Shinwari also feature in the side.
Squad: Gulbadin Naib (c), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
