Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Monday announced a 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup Qualifier 2019, featuring Mohammad Shahzad, who has recently completed his suspension for doping violation and young spin sensation Mujeeb Zadran.  

Mujeeb grabbed eyeballs with his terrific leg spin during the ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, as well as being exceptional in the three ODIs he has played for Afghanistan so far, which led him to be in the national squad for the World Cup Qualifier. Recently, he was picked up by the Kings XI Punjab for IPL 2018.

In the remaining squad, other players include  Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shenwari, Dawlat Zadran and Shapoor Zadran.

The ICC World Cup Qualifier 2018 will be held in Zimbabwe from March 4 to 25, while 10 teams competing for two vacant places in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 slot into two groups.

Asghar Stanikzai –led Afghanistan is placed in Group B with host Zimbabwe, Scotland, Hong Kong and the runners-up of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2, while the Group A features West Indies, Ireland, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and winners of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2.

The final two teams for the mega ICC event will be decided after the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 matches, while Afghanistan will start their campaign on March 4 against Scotland in Bulawayo. The final of the World Cup Qualifier is scheduled to play on March 25 in Harare.

Afghanistan Squad: Asghar Stanikzai (c), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Javed Ahmadi, Ihsanullah Janat, Najibullah Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shenwari, Nasir Jamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Zadran, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Dawlat Zadran, Shapoor Zadran