Afghanistan National Cricket Team

The Afghanistan National Cricket Team has become one of international cricket’s most inspiring success stories. Rising from refugee camp matches to World Cup fixtures, Afghanistan’s cricket journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and raw talent. At The Cricket Scores, this dedicated tag page brings you every update—from squad announcements and match results to player statistics, records, and tournament history.

History

Cricket in Afghanistan gained popularity during the 1990s among Afghan refugees in Pakistan. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) was formed in 1995, and by 2001, the team started competing in international tournaments. The real breakthrough came in 2015 when Afghanistan qualified for their first ICC Cricket World Cup. In 2017, they were awarded Full Member status by the ICC, allowing them to play Test cricket. Since then, Afghanistan has consistently proven themselves across formats.

Governing Body

  • Governing Body: Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)
  • Founded: 1995
  • ICC Full Membership: Gained in 2017
  • Headquarters: Kabul, Afghanistan

International Grounds

Afghanistan plays its home games in stadiums located in India and the UAE due to security concerns. Key international venues include:

  • Sharjah Cricket Stadium (UAE)
  • Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Dehradun (India)
  • Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground (India)

Fan Following

Afghanistan enjoys a deeply passionate fan base both at home and among diaspora communities. Their emotional connection to the team has grown immensely, especially during major ICC events.

Team Colours and Sponsorship

  • ODI & T20I Kit: Sky blue with red and green detailing
  • Test Kit: Classic white with blue logo accents
  • Sponsorship Partners: Alokozay Group, RTA Sports, and several regional commercial brands

Players

Afghanistan has produced some of the finest cricketers in the modern era, especially in the shorter formats.

  • Star Players:
    • Rashid Khan (T20I superstar & captain)
    • Mohammad Nabi (all-rounder, former captain)
    • Mujeeb Ur Rahman (mystery spinner)
    • Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper-batsman)
    • Ibrahim Zadran (emerging opener)

Current Squad (2025 Season – Key Players)

  • Captain: Rashid Khan (T20Is), Hashmatullah Shahidi (ODIs/Tests)
  • Vice-Captain: Mohammad Nabi
  • Key Players: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Ibrahim Zadran
  • Wicketkeeper: Ikram Alikhil

Coaching Staff

  • Head Coach: Jonathan Trott
  • Batting Coach: Nawroz Mangal
  • Bowling Coach: Hamid Hassan
  • Fitness Trainer: Peter Stokes

Tournament History

  • ODI World Cup Appearances: 2015, 2019, 2023
  • T20 World Cup Appearances: Every edition since 2010
  • Asia Cup: Regular participants since 2014
  • Test Cricket: Debuted in 2018 vs India

Honours

  • ICC Intercontinental Cup Champions – 2009–10
  • World Cricket League Division One – Winners (2010)
  • Asia Cup 2018 – Unbeaten in group stage
  • ICC T20 World Cup 2022 – Super 12 stage finish
  • ICC ODI World Cup 2023 – Upset wins over England and Pakistan

Records

  • Highest Team Total (ODI): 338/5 vs Ireland
  • Lowest Total Defended (T20I): 129 vs Bangladesh
  • Biggest ODI Win: 142 runs vs Scotland
  • First Test Victory: vs Ireland (2019)

World Records

  • Fastest to 100 wickets in T20Is: Rashid Khan
  • Most wickets in a single T20 World Cup edition: Rashid Khan (2016)
  • Youngest player to captain in a T20 World Cup: Rashid Khan (2019)

At The Cricket Scores, our Afghanistan National Cricket Team tag page ensures you stay updated with every development from this exciting team. From live match scores to historic victories and rising stars—this is your go-to hub for all things Afghan cricket.