Darwish Rasooli to lead Afghanistan's Young Asian Games squad

Summary KABUL: Afghanistan have handed top-order batter Darwish Rasooli the captaincy for their 2026 Asian Games campaign, naming a largely inexperienced 15-member squad for the tournament in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq, Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal and Imran Mir are among the other promising youngsters selected. Afghanistan Asian Games squad: Darwish Rasooli (c), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal, Imran Mir, Faisal Khan Shinozada, Najibullah Zadran, Farmanullah Safi, Ismat Alam, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Arab Gul Momand, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Abdullah Ahmadzai. AI Generated Summary KABUL: Afghanistan have handed top-order batter Darwish Rasooli the captaincy for their 2026 Asian Games campaign, naming a largely inexperienced 15-member squad for the tournament in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The squad reflects Afghanistan's desire to give emerging players a bigger stage, with six players yet to make their international debuts. Five other members have played fewer than 10 international matches. The Asian Games will take place from September 24 to October 3, with Afghanistan choosing to rest several of their biggest names. Regular captain Rashid Khan has been left out, along with explosive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai. Their absence creates an opportunity for younger players to step into important roles. Afghanistan have, however, retained some experience. Najibullah Zadran and Karim Janat are included and are expected to provide leadership and stability around the younger members of the squad. Much of the selection was influenced by performances in the recently completed 11th edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League. Several players impressed enough in the domestic tournament to earn their opportunity on the Asian stage. Top-order batter Mohammad Akram was among the leading performers, scoring 339 runs in eight innings, including one century and two half-centuries. All-rounder Ismat Alam also caught the selectors' attention. He scored 294 runs and took nine wickets, earning the Shpageeza Cricket League's best-player award. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq, Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal and Imran Mir are among the other promising youngsters selected. Rasooli will now face the challenge of guiding a relatively inexperienced group through a major multi-sport event. His leadership could prove crucial as Afghanistan look to turn their emerging talent into international performers. The Asian Games assignment comes soon after Afghanistan's scheduled three-match T20I series against India in Delhi. The series is expected to be played in the week leading into the continental competition, giving several players valuable preparation before they travel to Japan. Afghanistan Asian Games squad: Darwish Rasooli (c), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal, Imran Mir, Faisal Khan Shinozada, Najibullah Zadran, Farmanullah Safi, Ismat Alam, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Arab Gul Momand, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Abdullah Ahmadzai.