Let’s breakdown Afghanistan’s World Cup 2023 squad.
Here is a quick preview: Afghanistan are going with possibly the youngest squad of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Let’s dive right in.
Key Takeaways from Afghanistan’s ODI Squad Announcement
The average age of Afghanistan World Cup 2023 squad is 24.5. Afghanistan’s squad includes experienced campaigners like Mohammad Nabi (38) & Rahmat Shah (30) along with the young crop – Noor Ahmad (18), Saleem (20), Gurbaz, Zadran, Abdul Rahman (21), and Alikhil, Farooqi (23).
Afghanistan’s preliminary World Cup squad has average ODI match experience of 45 ODIs (669 ODIs among 15 players). Mohammad Nabi (147 ODIs), Rahmat Shah (97), and Rashid Khan (94) have the most ODI experience for Afghanistan, while the likes of Karim Janat (1), Mohammad Saleem (2), Ibrahim Alikhil (3), Abdul Rahman (3) and Riaz Hassan (5) are the new faces.
Afghanistan’s squad composition is as follows: 6 proper batters, 4 all-rounders, and 5 proper bowling options. In total, Afghanistan has 11 bowling options (2 leg spin, 2 off spin, 1 left arm wrist spin, 1 left arm pace, and 5 right arm pace) in their squad if absolutely needed. Imagine a bowling line up of Farooqi, Rashid Khan, Nabi, Mujeeb, and Noor.
Afghanistan has 3 left-handed batting options (Shahidi, Zadran, Alikhil) and two wicketkeeping options.
Afghanistan Cricket World Cup Team at a Glance
Player
Role
Age
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Right Hand Bat/Wicketkeeper
21
Ibrahim Zadran
Right Hand Bat
21
Riaz Hassan
Right Hand Bat
20
Rahmat Shah
All-Rounder (Right Hand Bat/Right Arm Leg Spin)
30
Hashmatullah Shahidi
Left Hand Batter
28
Najibullah Zadran
Left Hand Batter
30
Gulbadin Naib*
All-Rounder (Right Hand Bat/Right Arm Medium Pace)
32
Karim Janat**
All-Rounder (Right Hand Bat/Right Arm Medium Pace)
25
Ikram Alikhil
Left Hand Bat/Wicketkeeper
23
Rashid Khan
All-Rounder (Right Hand Bat/Right Arm Leg Spin)
25
Mohammad Nabi
All-Rounder (Right Hand Bat/Right Arm Off Spin)
38
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Right Arm Off Spin/Mystery
22
Noor Ahmad
Left Arm Wrist Spin
18
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Left Arm Fast
23
Sharafuddin Ashraf*
All-Rounder (Left Arm Spin, Right Hand Bat)
28
Abdul Rahman
Right Arm Medium Pace
21
Mohammad Saleem**
Right Arm Fast
20
Naveen-ul-Haq
Right Arm Fast
24
Azmatullah Omarzai
All-Rounder (Right Arm Pace)
23
Fareed Ahmad*
Left Arm Fast
29
*in the reserves
**did not make it into the final World Cup squad
Afghanistan Cricket World Cup 2023 Potential XI
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
Ibrahim Zadran
Rahmat Shah
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
Mohammad Nabi
Najibullah Zadran
Azmatullah Omarzai
Rashid Khan
Mujeeb ur Rahman
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Naveen Ul-Haq/Noor Ahmad
Injury News
Omarzai missed the final match of the Pakistan series due to a side strain and has since been left out of the Asia Cup squad. He returned for the World Cup.
5 Afghanistan Players Who Were Unlucky to Miss Out
Fareed Ahmad, Wafadar Momand, Shahidullah, Zahir Khan, Qais Ahmad
1 Surprise Pick for Afghanistan’s World Cup Squad
Naveen-ul-Haq
Afghanistan World Cup Squad – Complete List of Players
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Afghanistan World Cup 2023 Squad
What is the average age of Afghanistan’s 2023 Cricket World Cup squad?
Who is selected for Afghanistan’s 2023 Cricket World Cup squad?
Raahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Hsmatullah Shahidi (C), Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Ikram Alikhil, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Abudl Rahman, and Mohammad Saleem have been selected for Afghanistan’s 2023 Cricket World Cup preliminary squad.
Can Afghanistan win the 2023 ODI World Cup?
No, but I expect them to win 3-5 games and end in the Top 6.
Here is a quick preview: Bangladesh are going with a good combination of youth and experience. The 2007 generation, 2015 youngsters, and the new under-19 crop have provided Bangladesh with never-seen-before depth.
Let’s dive right in.
Key Takeaways from Bangladesh’s ODI Squad Announcement
The average age of Bangladesh World Cup 2023 squad is 27.2. Bangladesh’s squad includes the most experienced players in the World Cup (Shakib, Mahmudullah, and Mushfiqur) but there are several youngsters as well. They have youngsters such as Tanzim Hasan Sakib (20), Tanzid Hasan Tamim (22), Towhid Hridoy (22), Shoriful Islam (22), Hasan Mahmud (23), The victorious U-19 WC campaign is serving Bangladesh well.
Bangladesh’s World Cup squad has average ODI match experience of 77 ODIs (1150 ODIs among 15 players). Mushfiqur Rahim (256), Mahmudullah (221) & Shakib Al Hasan (240) are their most experienced players, while Tanzim Hasan & Tanzid Hasan are just starting out.
Bangladesh’s squad composition is as follows: 5 proper batters, 4 all-rounders, and 6 proper bowling options. In total, Bangladesh has 10 bowling options (3 off spin, 2 left arm spin, 2 left arm pace, and 3 right arm pace) in their squad if absolutely needed.
Bangladesh has 6 left-handed batting options (Tanzid, Shanto, Shakib) and two wicketkeeping options.
Bangladesh Cricket World Cup Team at a Glance
Player
Role
Age
Mohammad Naim**
Batter
24
Litton Das
Batter/Wicket-keeper
28
Tanzid Hasan Tamim
Batter
22
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Batter
25
Towhid Hridoy
Batter
22
Mushfiqur Rahim
Batter/Wicket-keeper
36
Afif Hossain**
Batter/Part-time Off spin
23
Shamim Hossain**
All-Rounder/Right Arm Off Spin
22
Shakib Al Hasan
All-Rounder/Left Arm Spin
36
Mahmudullah
All-Rounder/Right Arm Off Spin
37
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
All-Rounder/Off-Spin
25
Mahedi Hasan
All-Rounder/Off Spin
28
Nasum Ahmed
Left Arm Spin
28
Taskin Ahmed
Fast Bowler
28
Mustafizur Rahman
Left Arm Fast Bowler
28
Shoriful Islam
Left Arm Medium Pace
22
Ebadot Hossain*
Fast Bowler
29
Hasan Mahmud
Medium Pace
23
Tanzim Hasan Sakib
Medium Pace
20
Tamim Iqbal*
Left Hand Bat
34
*left out of the World Cup (due to injury and controversy)
**did not make the final squad
Bangladesh Cricket World Cup 2023 Potential XI
Tanzid Hasan
Litton Das (WK)
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Mushfiqur Rahim
Shakib Al Hasan
Mahmudullah
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Mahedi Hasan
Taskin Ahmed
Mustafizur Rahman
Shoriful Islam/Hasan Mahmud
Injury News
Tamim Iqbal is injured, but likely to be back for the World Cup
Ebadot Hossain has been ruled out of the Asia Cup and is in the race to be fit for the World Cup. Tanzim Hasan replaced him.
4 Bangladesh Players Who Were Unlucky to Miss Out
Tamim Iqbal, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Yasir Ali
Surprise Picks for Bangladesh’s World Cup Squad
Tanzid Hasan, Tanzim Hasan
Bangladesh World Cup 2023 Squad – Complete List of Players
1. Mohammad Naim**
**did not make it to the final World Cup squad
Role: Left Hand Batter (Opener)
Matches/Innings: 4/3
Runs: 10, Best: 9
Average/SR: 3.33/32.25
100/50: 0/0
*Although his numbers are not that great in ODI cricket, he has played some defining innings in his 35 T20I innings.
*Not in the Asia Cup squad due to an injury, but is expected to be back for the World Cup. Update: He came back, but was dropped after public controversy.
This may be Bangladesh’s best chance to win a World Cup, or at least to go to the semi-finals.
Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, and Shakib Al Hasan (and Mahmudullah) have been legends for Bangladesh, and this is their lasst chance. With the yuong crop (Mehidy, Liton, Taskin, Mustafizur, etc.) coming into their own, definitely watch out for this Bangladesh ODI side.
Related ODI World Cup Articles
If you liked this article, be sure to check some of the other World Cup content:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Bangladesh World Cup 2023 Squad
Who is selected for Bangladesh’s World Cup 2023 squad?
Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das (WK), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Mohammad Naim, Tanzid Hasan, Tanzim Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Shamim Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, and Towhid Hridoy are selected for Bangladesh’s 2023 World Cup preliminary squad.
What is the average age of Bangladeesh’s World Cup and Asia Cup squads?
The average age of Bangladesh Asis Cup 2023 squad is 26.4. Bangladesh’s 19-men preliminary squad includes the most experienced players in the World Cup (Shakib, Tamim, and Mushfiqur) but there are several youngsters as well. They have youngsters such as Tanzim Hasan Sakib (20), Tanzid Hasan Tamim (22), Towhid Hridoy (22), Shoriful Islam (22), Shamim Hossain (22), Afif Hossain (23), Hasan Mahmud (23), and Mohammad Naim (24). The victorious U-19 WC campaign is serving Bangladesh well.
Who is selected for Bangladesh Asia Cup 2023 squad?
Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das (WK), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Mohammad Naim, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Shamim Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, and Towhid Hridoy are selected for Bangladesh’s 2023 Asia Cup squad.
Can Bangladesh win the 2023 ODI World Cup?
This may be Bangladesh’s best chance to win the 2023 ODI World Cup, but it is going to be tough. They have a great chance to make their first semi-finals, given their recent ODI Super League record.
After West Indies lost to Zimbabwe and Netherlands in the 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifier, fans reacted around the world. Here are my honest thoughts on the state of West Indian cricket.
Events That Have Transpired During the 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifiers
West Indies are on the brink of exiting from the 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifiers.
First of all, let us not take anything away from Zimbabwe and Netherlands (as well as Scotland & Sri Lanka from the other group), who have been playing excellent cricket. Today, Logan Van Beek produced a Super Over performance of the ages, hitting 30 runs and taking two wickets.
However, West Indies has been below par. From dropped catches and misfields to over rate penalties, no ball calls, mindless bowling changes, and questionable strategies, things have not quite gone right for West Indies.
Over the last five years, though, they have descended into further depths. The West Indies cricket team
Failed to qualify for the 2017 Champions Trophy
Had to go through the 2018 ODI World Cup qualification
Performed shambolically at the 2019 ODI World Cup (won only 2/9)
Crashed out of the 2021 T20 World Cup Super 12 stage (won only 1/5)
Failed to get out of the first round itself in the 2022 T20 World Cup (won only 1/3)
Their fortunes in Test cricket wasn’t great either. In the latest edition of the World Test Championship, they ended up 8th/9th, winning 4 Tests & drawing 2 out of 13. They had similar fortunes in the inaugural edition of the WTC as well (won 3, drew 2, ended 8th/9th).
Their fortunes continued to plummet in the ODI Super League, where they only won 9 out of the 24 ODI matches. The men’s side are currently ranked 7th in T20I cricket, 8th in Test cricket, and 10th in ODI cricket. The women are ranked 6th each in T20I and ODI. If you have only won 7 Tests and 4 World Cup matches over the past 5 years, then there is plenty of room to introspect.
This isn’t the first time we are talking about the ‘Downfall of West Indies cricket,’ is it? Since the late nineties and early 2000s, they have faced a steady decline.
West Indies cricket used to produce the likes of Lord Baron Constantine, Sir Conrad Hunte, Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Everton Weekes, Wes Hall, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Joel Garner, Lance Gibbs, Sir Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Sir Clive Lloyd, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Brian Lara, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, George Headley, Malcolm Marshall, Brian Lara, Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Alvin Kallicharan, Rohan Kanhai, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Carl Hooper, Lawrence Rowe, Roy Fredericks, Vanburn Holder, Sir Charlie Griffith, Jackie Hendricks, Colin Croft, and Ian Bishop.
They still produce individual talent like Hetmyer, Pooran, and Hope, but it just does not feel the same anymore.
Every cricket fan is a West Indies cricket fan. The flair that the Caribbean brings to cricket is second to none. Folklore of the West Indian greats, the menacing fast bowling units, the dominating power of cricket.
I may just be overreacting. After all, these twin defeats came on the back of 8 consecutive victories (5 ODI, 2 Warm-Ups, 1 T20Is) and the charismatic Darren Sammy has just taken charge.
West Indies cricket fans can still take some hope from Afghanistan’s 2018 World Cup qualifier experience. Afghanistan was in a similar situation then but made an improbable comeback (also thanks to the rain Gods) and qualified for the 2019 ODI World Cup.
West Indies can still qualify with certain permutations going their way, but what have we learned? West Indies are no longer in the upper echelons of cricket or even mid-tier.
Sure, a Carlos Brathwaite magic moment, a Pooran innings, a Hope classic, or a Joseph hat-trick can win West Indies a few games here and there, but where is West Indies’ fortunes going in the long run?
When all seems to fail, West Indies produce tournament performances of champions – 2004 Champions Trophy, 2012 T20 World Cup, and 2016 T20 World Cup. 2016 U-19 World Cup. 2016 Women’s World Cup, but this time just feels different.
We can criticize franchise cricket and the IPL for all we like, but the Gayles, Bravos, and Pollards were product of this system and won the West Indies a couple of T20 World Cups. The Caribbean continues to produce exciting talent, no doubt. But they no longer produce great teams.
The transition is happening and something needs to change. Change very quickly that is.
Legacy of West Indies cricket is at stake. West Indies cricket as a whole is at stake.
Who knows, if the downfall continues, we may not even see the West Indies. We may, instead, see Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, and Windward Islands competing as separate nations.
The golden era of the last century is long gone. The great era of the 70s is gone. Even the time of Lara-Chanderpaul-Ambrose-Walsh is gone.
All that is left is memories.
I just hope that West Indies cricket does not end up becoming just a memory.
