From Jasprit Bumrah to Shaheen Afridi, here is a look at the top five pacers to watch out for in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. This list also includes Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mustafizur Rahman and Matheesha Pathirana.

From Jasprit Bumrah to Shaheen Afridi, here is a look at the top five pacers to watch out for in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. This list also includes Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mustafizur Rahman and Matheesha Pathirana.

From Jasprit Bumrah to Shaheen Afridi, 5 pacers to watch out for in upcoming Asia Cup 2025

Former Pakistan white-ball captain and gloveman Mohammad Rizwan has agreed to join Caribbean Premier League (CPL) side St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for the remainder of the season, signing as a replacement for Afghanistan seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who will link up with the national team for the triangular T20I series involving Pakistan and the host UAE. It, however, remains unclear if Rizwan will be part of St Kitts’ game on Thursday (Aug 21) in a home game against Barbados Royals. Rizwan is said to have received the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to feature in the Caribbean franchise league.&nbsp;It’s the first time that Rizwan will feature in the CPL, adding to a growing list of Pakistani players in the tournament. On Thursday, Antigua and Barbados Falcons signed leggie Usama Mir, and the Patriots had already signed two Pakistani quicks – Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is also part of the tri-series in the UAE. Besides them, the retired pair of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir are also part of this competition.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shreyas-iyer-leads-race-to-replace-rohit-sharma-as-team-india-next-odi-captain-report-shubman-gill-1755750008517">Shreyas Iyer leads race to replace Rohit Sharma as India’s next ODI captain - Report</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, Rizwan’s signing means he completes his quota of two overseas T20 leagues that the PCB has stipulated as the maximum number of centrally contracted players can participate in (a 12-month period), starting July this year. Earlier, Rizwan confirmed his participation for the Melbourne Renegades in the forthcoming BBL season.<h3>No Rizwan for Pakistan in 2025 Asia Cup &nbsp;</h3>The PCB announced the Pakistan squad for the triangular series and the 2025 Asia Cup last week, dropping two of their star players, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Having last played a T20I for Pakistan in December 2024, Babar was asked to work on his strike rate and his game against the spinners in the middle order before he pushes for his case in the shortest format.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-african-spinner-prenelan-subrayen-under-scrutiny-over-bowling-action-1755698006676">South African spinner Prenelan Subrayen under scrutiny over bowling action</a> &nbsp;Rizwan, like Babar, has also not been part of Pakistan’s T20I squads lately, including on the away tours of Bangladesh and the West Indies. Both, however, remain part of the ODI setup.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, the tri-series between Pakistan, Afghanistan and the UAE will serve as a warm-up for the 2025 Asia Cup beginning September 9. With the competition to be played in the T20 format, Pakistan has never won the shortest format version of it, having reached the final in 2022.&nbsp;

Rizwan, like Babar Azam, has also not been part of Pakistan’s T20I squads lately, including on the away tours of Bangladesh and the West Indies. Both, however, remain part of the ODI setup. 

Former Pakistan white-ball captain and gloveman Mohammad Rizwan has agreed to join Caribbean Premier League (CPL) side St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for the remainder of the season, signing as a replacement for Afghanistan seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who will link up with the national team for the triangular T20I series involving Pakistan and the host UAE. It, however, remains unclear if Rizwan will be part of St Kitts’ game on Thursday (Aug 21) in a home game against Barbados Royals. Rizwan is said to have received the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to feature in the Caribbean franchise league. It’s the first time that Rizwan will feature in the CPL, adding to a growing list of Pakistani players in the tournament. On Thursday, Antigua and Barbados Falcons signed leggie Usama Mir, and the Patriots had already signed two Pakistani quicks – Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is also part of the tri-series in the UAE. Besides them, the retired pair of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir are also part of this competition. Also read | Shreyas Iyer leads race to replace Rohit Sharma as India’s next ODI captain - Report Meanwhile, Rizwan’s signing means he completes his quota of two overseas T20 leagues that the PCB has stipulated as the maximum number of centrally contracted players can participate in (a 12-month period), starting July this year. Earlier, Rizwan confirmed his participation for the Melbourne Renegades in the forthcoming BBL season. No Rizwan for Pakistan in 2025 Asia Cup The PCB announced the Pakistan squad for the triangular series and the 2025 Asia Cup last week, dropping two of their star players, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Having last played a T20I for Pakistan in December 2024, Babar was asked to work on his strike rate and his game against the spinners in the middle order before he pushes for his case in the shortest format. Also read | South African spinner Prenelan Subrayen under scrutiny over bowling action Rizwan, like Babar, has also not been part of Pakistan’s T20I squads lately, including on the away tours of Bangladesh and the West Indies. Both, however, remain part of the ODI setup. Meanwhile, the tri-series between Pakistan, Afghanistan and the UAE will serve as a warm-up for the 2025 Asia Cup beginning September 9. With the competition to be played in the T20 format, Pakistan has never won the shortest format version of it, having reached the final in 2022.

Rizwan, like Babar Azam, has also not been part of Pakistan’s T20I squads lately, including on the away tours of Bangladesh and the West Indies. Both, however, remain part of the ODI setup.&nbsp;

After Asia Cup snub, ex-Pakistan captain joins CPL side as Fazalhaq Farooqi's replacement

Afghanistan will have their eyes on the prize as they search for a historic ODI series win against South Africa on Friday (Sep 20). Having won the first ODI by six wickets in a one-sided contest on Wednesday, Afghanistan could win their maiden series against the Proteas who were undone against a resolute Afghan bowling attack. Ahead of the second ODI, here are all the details of the contest including live streaming, squads and others.

<h2>When is the Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI match?</h2>

The Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI match will be played on Friday (Sep 20).

<h2>Which stadium will host the Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI match?</h2>

The Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI match will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah.

<h2>What time will the Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI match start?</h2>

The Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI will commence at 5:30 PM IST with&nbsp;toss at 5 PM.&nbsp;

<h2>Where to watch the Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI match on TV?</h2>

The Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI will have no live broadcast in India.

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<h2>Where to watch the Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI match on OTT?</h2>

The Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI match will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website in India.

<h2>Squads:</h2>

Afghanistan&nbsp;Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Ali Khil (WK), Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran and Farid Ahmad Malik.

South Africa&nbsp;Squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqaba Peter, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne and Lizaad Williams.

Afghanistan will have their eyes on the prize as they search for a historic ODI series win against South Africa on Friday (Sep 20). Having won the first ODI by six wickets in a one-sided contest on Wednesday, Afghanistan could win their maiden series against the Proteas who were undone against a resolute Afghan bowling attack.

Afghanistan will have their eyes on the prize as they search for a historic ODI series win against South Africa on Friday (Sep 20). Having won the first ODI by six wickets in a one-sided contest on Wednesday, Afghanistan could win their maiden series against the Proteas who were undone against a resolute Afghan bowling attack. Ahead of the second ODI, here are all the details of the contest including live streaming, squads and others. When is the Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI match? The Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI match will be played on Friday (Sep 20). Which stadium will host the Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI match? The Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI match will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah. What time will the Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI match start? The Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI will commence at 5:30 PM IST with toss at 5 PM. Where to watch the Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI match on TV? The Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI will have no live broadcast in India. ALSO READ | Virus sweeps through Aussie camp as star trio doubtful for 1st ODI against England Where to watch the Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI match on OTT? The Afghanistan vs South Africa 2nd ODI match will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website in India. Squads: Afghanistan Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Ali Khil (WK), Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran and Farid Ahmad Malik. South Africa Squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqaba Peter, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne and Lizaad Williams.

AFG vs SA, 2nd ODI match Live Streaming: When, where & how to watch Afghanistan vs South Africa Live on laptop

Afghanistan have&nbsp;booked a berth in the next round of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas with a stunning seven-wicket win over Papua New Guinea in Trinidad on June 14, becoming the second team after West Indies to qualify for Super 8s from Group C. Their third win in as many matches means New Zealand are out of the tournament, having lost both of their matches.

New Zealand now becomes the second high-profile team after Sri Lanka to get knocked out of the showpiece event, as this 20-team tournament gets exciting with the Super 8s approaching.

After winning the toss, Afghanistan elected to bowl first and sent three out of the top four PNG batters back to the hut inside three overs. Their architect with the new ball, Fazalhaq Farooqi, began from where he had left, picking two wickets in two balls early on. By the time the Powerplay ended, Afghanistan had removed their five batters.&nbsp;

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Although Captain Rashid Khan and seasoned campaigner Mohammad Nabi went wicketless, Naveen-ul-Haq returned with two wickets; the left-arm unorthodox Noor Ahmed was economical in his four-over spell, picking one for 14.&nbsp;

Farooqi picked three wickets, having now bagged&nbsp;a total of nine wickets in three games, as Afghanistan wrapped up PNG’s innings on a mere 95.

<h2>Dominant batting steers Afghanistan through</h2>

Unlike in the previous two matches, the opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran couldn’t get the big partnership going, as both departed inside the first three overs.&nbsp;

All-rounders Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai added 33 for the next wicket before Omarzai got out on 13.

Alongside Nabi, Naib held one end and slammed an unbeaten 49 off 36 balls, including hitting two sixes and four fours, to see his team home with seven wickets remaining.

With three statement wins in the group stage, Afghanistan sit&nbsp;on the top of the points table, even ahead of co-hosts West Indies, with a daunting NRR of +4.230. Meanwhile, West Indies and Afghanistan will face off in their Group C game on June 17.&nbsp;

In the Super 8s, Afghanistan will face India on June 20.&nbsp;

Afghanistan have booked a berth in the next round of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas with a stunning seven-wicket win over Papua New Guinea in Trinidad on June 14, becoming the second team after West Indies to qualify for Super 8s from Group C.

Afghanistan have booked a berth in the next round of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas with a stunning seven-wicket win over Papua New Guinea in Trinidad on June 14, becoming the second team after West Indies to qualify for Super 8s from Group C. Their third win in as many matches means New Zealand are out of the tournament, having lost both of their matches. New Zealand now becomes the second high-profile team after Sri Lanka to get knocked out of the showpiece event, as this 20-team tournament gets exciting with the Super 8s approaching. After winning the toss, Afghanistan elected to bowl first and sent three out of the top four PNG batters back to the hut inside three overs. Their architect with the new ball, Fazalhaq Farooqi, began from where he had left, picking two wickets in two balls early on. By the time the Powerplay ended, Afghanistan had removed their five batters. ALSO READ: England smash Oman in record-breaking chase to reignite T20 World Cup campaign Although Captain Rashid Khan and seasoned campaigner Mohammad Nabi went wicketless, Naveen-ul-Haq returned with two wickets; the left-arm unorthodox Noor Ahmed was economical in his four-over spell, picking one for 14. Farooqi picked three wickets, having now bagged a total of nine wickets in three games, as Afghanistan wrapped up PNG’s innings on a mere 95. Dominant batting steers Afghanistan through Unlike in the previous two matches, the opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran couldn’t get the big partnership going, as both departed inside the first three overs. All-rounders Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai added 33 for the next wicket before Omarzai got out on 13. Alongside Nabi, Naib held one end and slammed an unbeaten 49 off 36 balls, including hitting two sixes and four fours, to see his team home with seven wickets remaining. With three statement wins in the group stage, Afghanistan sit on the top of the points table, even ahead of co-hosts West Indies, with a daunting NRR of +4.230. Meanwhile, West Indies and Afghanistan will face off in their Group C game on June 17. In the Super 8s, Afghanistan will face India on June 20.

Afghanistan beat PNG to book Super 8 berth as New Zealand crash out of T20 World Cup

Rampant Afghanistan mauled a lethargic New Zealand by 84 runs to grab top spot in Group C at the T20 World Cup with an upset win at the Guyana National Stadium on Friday. Set a challenging 160 for victory, the Black Caps crashed to 75 all out off 15.2 overs to suffer their first defeat ever to Afghanistan in T20 International cricket.

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Afghanistan put on a clinic with bat and ball against New Zealand to continue their winning momentum 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvAFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvAFG</a> | 📝 <a href="https://t.co/BuSb84vwPX">https://t.co/BuSb84vwPX</a> <a href="https://t.co/MbUFFuTyBm">pic.twitter.com/MbUFFuTyBm</a>
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup/status/1799273741555237152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz led the way for the Afghans with a top score of 80 off 56 balls (five fours, five sixes), posting 103 for the first wicket with Ibrahim Zadran (44) by the 15th over on the way to a final total of 159 for six after they were put in.

Left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi then followed his five-wicket opening match demolition of Uganda with the first three wickets of the New Zealand innings before coming back to claim a fourth to end the match and complete figures of four for 17.

Captain and champion leg-spinner Rashid Khan shared the bowling honours with an identical haul of four for 17, including opposite number Kane Williamson with the first ball of his spell to effectively end the match as a contest.

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"We’ve been waiting for this moment for about three years," said a delighted Gurbaz after receiving the “Man of the Match” award. &nbsp;"We have the trust and belief that we can beat any team in this competition on this type or surface. At the start of the innings our target was around 130-140 and we played our part in getting there, but credit must go to the bowlers as well. To do this against a team like New Zealand…it’s unbelievable".

New Zealand’s capitulation and obvious rustiness leaves the 2021 beaten finalists with a tough challenge ahead, starting against hosts West Indies in at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad next Wednesday.

"This just wasn’t good enough in terms of starting a tournament. It’s very frustrating," admitted Williamson, reflecting on a forgettable night for New Zealand cricket. "We have to move on quickly from this because the matches now come thick and fast for us. Yes, we have to learn from so much that went wrong without over-analysing, but we have to turn it around as quickly as we can," he added.

Williamson’s gloomy demeanour was obviously in stark contrast to his Afghanistan counterpart Rashid, who put the result in perspective.

"It is one of the greatest performances for us in T20’s against a big team like New Zealand," he said. “And it was great team effort, from the opening stand between Gurbaz and Ibrahim to the bowlers to the effort in the field from everyone. It’s a great feeling to be leading this side."

His own efforts with the ball were impressive but the captain preferred to focus on the impact of Farooqi, who has now taken nine wickets in his first two matches at this World Cup and had the perfect start against the Black Caps, bowling Finn Allen comprehensively with the first ball of the New Zealand innings.

"He is a very skilful bowler, but there’s still lots of areas to improve," Rashid cautioned. "Once he understands how skilful he really is he will be very dangerous in the future."

Rampant Afghanistan mauled a lethargic New Zealand by 84 runs to grab top spot in Group C at the T20 World Cup with an upset win at the Guyana National Stadium on Friday.

Rampant Afghanistan mauled a lethargic New Zealand by 84 runs to grab top spot in Group C at the T20 World Cup with an upset win at the Guyana National Stadium on Friday. Set a challenging 160 for victory, the Black Caps crashed to 75 all out off 15.2 overs to suffer their first defeat ever to Afghanistan in T20 International cricket. Afghanistan put on a clinic with bat and ball against New Zealand to continue their winning momentum 🙌#T20WorldCup | #NZvAFG | 📝 https://t.co/BuSb84vwPX pic.twitter.com/MbUFFuTyBm — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 8, 2024 × Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz led the way for the Afghans with a top score of 80 off 56 balls (five fours, five sixes), posting 103 for the first wicket with Ibrahim Zadran (44) by the 15th over on the way to a final total of 159 for six after they were put in. Left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi then followed his five-wicket opening match demolition of Uganda with the first three wickets of the New Zealand innings before coming back to claim a fourth to end the match and complete figures of four for 17. Captain and champion leg-spinner Rashid Khan shared the bowling honours with an identical haul of four for 17, including opposite number Kane Williamson with the first ball of his spell to effectively end the match as a contest. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup: Canada stun Ireland by 12 runs to register maiden win "We’ve been waiting for this moment for about three years," said a delighted Gurbaz after receiving the “Man of the Match” award. "We have the trust and belief that we can beat any team in this competition on this type or surface. At the start of the innings our target was around 130-140 and we played our part in getting there, but credit must go to the bowlers as well. To do this against a team like New Zealand…it’s unbelievable". New Zealand’s capitulation and obvious rustiness leaves the 2021 beaten finalists with a tough challenge ahead, starting against hosts West Indies in at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad next Wednesday. "This just wasn’t good enough in terms of starting a tournament. It’s very frustrating," admitted Williamson, reflecting on a forgettable night for New Zealand cricket. "We have to move on quickly from this because the matches now come thick and fast for us. Yes, we have to learn from so much that went wrong without over-analysing, but we have to turn it around as quickly as we can," he added. Williamson’s gloomy demeanour was obviously in stark contrast to his Afghanistan counterpart Rashid, who put the result in perspective. "It is one of the greatest performances for us in T20’s against a big team like New Zealand," he said. “And it was great team effort, from the opening stand between Gurbaz and Ibrahim to the bowlers to the effort in the field from everyone. It’s a great feeling to be leading this side." His own efforts with the ball were impressive but the captain preferred to focus on the impact of Farooqi, who has now taken nine wickets in his first two matches at this World Cup and had the perfect start against the Black Caps, bowling Finn Allen comprehensively with the first ball of the New Zealand innings. "He is a very skilful bowler, but there’s still lots of areas to improve," Rashid cautioned. "Once he understands how skilful he really is he will be very dangerous in the future."

T20 World Cup: Gurbaz, bowlers star in historic win for Afghanistan over New Zealand

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has decided to allow Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalgaq Farooqi to play in franchise T20 cricket after initially revoking their No Objection Certificates (NOCs). Their eligibility to play in global T20 leagues was suspended after the trio had expressed desires to be relieved of the central contracts last month. The ACB, not only immediately suspended their ongoing NOC, but barred them from playing in any global T20 league for next two years.

The board, however, has now relaxed its previous instance and has allowed the players to take part in limited number of T20 leagues. The ACB has also cleared all three of them for signing the central contracts. The trio although, has been issued a final warning along with a financial penalty - wage cut from their month salary and/or their match fees. The move comes after the players expressed 'strong desire' to represent the country following a comprehensive investigation done after the initial sanctions.

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Speaking on the latest relaxation, ACB chief Mirwais Ashraf said: "We really hope the players avoid making similar inconveniences in the future as we expect them to represent the country in the best of manners. The ACB and the rules are above all of us and it's important to adhere to the regulations because there are no exceptions for anyone in this regard. However, such cases of a similar nature would be dealt with more strictly as we prioritise the prestige of the Afghanistan Cricket and the organisation."

While Naveen and Farooqi had played in the T20I series against UAE after the first set of sanctions, Mujeeb has been included in the squad for the upcoming three T20I series against India which starts on January 11. Mujeeb was in Australia, playing in domestic T20 tournament Big Bash League (BBL) when the sanctions were announced.&nbsp;

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has decided to allow Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalgaq Farooqi to play in franchise T20 cricket after initially revoking their No Objection Certificates (NOCs).

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has decided to allow Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalgaq Farooqi to play in franchise T20 cricket after initially revoking their No Objection Certificates (NOCs). Their eligibility to play in global T20 leagues was suspended after the trio had expressed desires to be relieved of the central contracts last month. The ACB, not only immediately suspended their ongoing NOC, but barred them from playing in any global T20 league for next two years. The board, however, has now relaxed its previous instance and has allowed the players to take part in limited number of T20 leagues. The ACB has also cleared all three of them for signing the central contracts. The trio although, has been issued a final warning along with a financial penalty - wage cut from their month salary and/or their match fees. The move comes after the players expressed 'strong desire' to represent the country following a comprehensive investigation done after the initial sanctions. Also Read: India vs South Africa, 2nd Test: ICC rates Newlands pitch as 'unsatisfactory' Speaking on the latest relaxation, ACB chief Mirwais Ashraf said: "We really hope the players avoid making similar inconveniences in the future as we expect them to represent the country in the best of manners. The ACB and the rules are above all of us and it's important to adhere to the regulations because there are no exceptions for anyone in this regard. However, such cases of a similar nature would be dealt with more strictly as we prioritise the prestige of the Afghanistan Cricket and the organisation." While Naveen and Farooqi had played in the T20I series against UAE after the first set of sanctions, Mujeeb has been included in the squad for the upcoming three T20I series against India which starts on January 11. Mujeeb was in Australia, playing in domestic T20 tournament Big Bash League (BBL) when the sanctions were announced.

Afghanistan Cricket Board allows Mujeeb, Naveen and Farooqi to play in global T20 leagues with new conditions