Hamid Hassan, fast bowler
The Taliban are said to like cricket, but their morality police used to demand that wickets were celebrated with nothing more raucous than a handshake. Hamid overflows with exuberance now, regularly taking the field with miniature Afghan tricolours stuck to his cheeks and the flag as a bandana. He is arguably the best fast bowler beyond the Test world.
Javed Ahmadi, all-rounder
He can open the innings or play in the middle order, and bowls spin when needed. He made three half-centuries in four practice matches in the UAE recently. “He hits the ball very, very cleanly and he has a big future ahead of him,” said Andy Moles, the coach.
Afsar Zazai, wicketkeeper
Substantial boots to fill. Mohammed Shahzad, the wicketkeeper-batsman, is one of the biggest stars in Afghanistan yet failed to make the World Cup squad on account of his poor fitness record. His replacement lacks Shahzad’s extrovert nature, but he still represents a reliable option for Afghanistan.
(Click on the arrow to view the players)
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