Afghanistan on Sunday announced their squad for the three match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Afghan spinner Rashid Khan has not been able to recover in time to feature in the side for the series starting on February 09 in Pallekele.
Rashid underwent a back surgery in December last year to fix a long-term problem. He has not featured in competitive cricket since then. Qais Ahmad, who has played just one ODI for Afghanistan, will fill in for Rashid against the Island nation.
Noor Ahmad, who plays for Durban Supergiants in SA20, has returned to the national team and will miss the final round of the league.
Najibullah Zadran, who was part of the Afghanistan World Cup squad, was left out of Sri Lanka’s ODIs and Abdul Rahman was named as a reserve.
Fast bowler Mohammad Saleem has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.
All-rounder Gulbadin Naib, who impressed with his big knocks in the recent T20I series against India, has been recalled to the ODI side.
Fareed Ahmad is also a member of the 15-member team.
