Fazalhaq Farooqi has been named in Afghanistan’s 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, to be held in the T20I format in the UAE from September 9 to 28. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the squad on Sunday.
The left-arm pacer, who featured in the Rajasthan Royals squad during IPL 2025, is one of only three frontline fast bowlers in the squad, alongside Naveen-ul-Haq and Farid Ahmad Malik.
Since making his international debut in March 2021, Farooqi has emerged as a key member of Afghanistan’s T20I setup. He has played 43 T20Is, picking up 54 wickets at an average of 19.09.
Farooqi’s rise continues after T20 World Cup heroics
Farooqi was one of the standout performers at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where he was the joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets in eight matches. His tournament included a career-best 5 for 9 against Uganda, helping to lead Afghanistan to a historic semi-final appearance.
He has also gained valuable franchise experience, playing 12 IPL matches to date.
Afghanistan drawn in Group B for Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan, captained by Rashid Khan, have been placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong China, and Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup.
They will open their campaign against Hong Kong China on September 9 in Dubai.
Afghanistan Asia Cup 2025 squad
Afghanistan squad: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Farid Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen ul Haq
Reserve players: Wafiullah Tarakhil, Nangeyalia Kharote, Abdullah Ahmadzai
Fans in India can watch the Asia Cup live on FanCode, while global viewers can stream the tournament via StyxSports.
