Rashid Khan Joins Afghanistan ODI Squad in Dharamsala as Mohammad Nabi Withdraws Due to Illness
Afghanistan’s ODI squad has confirmed that leg-spinner Rashid Khan will join the team directly in Dharamsala for the upcoming series against India, while all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been withdrawn due to illness, according to a statement from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Thursday.
Rashid, the world’s top-ranked T20I bowler, was not part of the initial squad selected for the tour but has been added to bolster the team’s bowling options ahead of the five-match ODI series. The ACB cited “strategic adjustments” for the decision, though no further details were provided. This move comes amid speculation about the team’s preparation for the 2023 World Cup, with Afghanistan aiming to secure a top-four finish in the tournament.
Nabi’s Withdrawal Raises Questions About Squad Depth
Mohammad Nabi, a key member of Afghanistan’s middle order and a veteran of 144 ODIs, was reportedly unwell upon arrival in Dharamsala. The ACB stated that Nabi “is undergoing medical evaluation and will remain in the team’s bio-secure environment until cleared.” This development highlights concerns about the squad’s depth, particularly after the early exits of players like Hazratullah Zazai and Mujeeb Ur Rahman due to injuries in recent months.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Nabi’s absence could see Shapoor Zadran or Rahmanullah Gurbaz step into the middle order, while left-arm spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman may take on a more prominent role in the bowling attack. The team’s fitness coach, Dr. Asadullah Khan, emphasized that “player health is a priority, and we are ensuring all athletes are in optimal condition for the World Cup campaign.”
Dharamsala as a Strategic Base for Afghanistan’s Cricket Setup
The decision to have Rashid join the squad in Dharamsala underscores the city’s growing importance as a training hub for Afghan cricket. The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, located in Dharamsala, has hosted several high-profile matches in recent years, including Afghanistan’s 2019 World Cup games. The ACB has been using the facility for pre-tournament preparations, citing its state-of-the-art infrastructure and favorable weather conditions.
“Dharamsala offers a controlled environment for our players to acclimatize and focus on their performance,” said ACB chief executive Hamidullah Nangyal. “This setup has proven effective in previous tours, and we will continue to leverage it as part of our long-term strategy.”
The first ODI between Afghanistan and India is scheduled for March 12, 2023, with the series serving as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the World Cup. Afghanistan’s current squad includes 14 players, with Rashid’s inclusion bringing the total to 15, in line with ICC regulations for bilateral tours.