Rashid Khan Omitted from Afghanistan's Preliminary Test Squad against New Zealand

Afghanistan's Rashid Khan is missing from their preliminary squad for a Test against New Zealand next month. The squad will be finalized during a training camp in India. Rashid's absence remains unexplained, despite his recent form in T20s. Ahmad Shah Sulimankhel stressed performance and fitness as selection criteria.

Afghanistan's star spinner Rashid Khan is absent from the 20-member preliminary squad announced for their upcoming one-off Test against New Zealand. The match is scheduled to take place in Greater Noida from September 9 to 13.

Having last played a Test in March 2021 in Abu Dhabi, Rashid's exclusion remains a mystery. No official explanation has been given by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). The squad will depart for India on August 28 for a one-week preparatory camp.

Chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhel clarified that the final 15-member squad will be chosen based on performance and fitness during the training camp. Seam-bowler Azmatullah Omarzai, who could make his Test debut, was included in the squad, while Hashmatullah Shahidi retains his captaincy. New coaching staff member R Sridhar will join as assistant coach, imparting his experience to the team.

(With inputs from agencies.)