Sharafuddin Ashraf to replace Asghar Afghan in Afghanistan T20 World Cup squad

Sharafuddin Ashraf has been approved as Asghar Afghan's replacement in the Afghanistan squad for T20 World Cup. The event technical committee approved the replacement "following concerns over Asghar's mental wellbeing," an ICC statement said.

In an unexpected move, former captain Afghan announced his retirement on the eve of Afghanistan's game against Namibia in Abu Dhabi, saying it would be his last for Afghanistan.

He contributed as 23-ball 31 as Afghanistan won by 62 runs, giving them two wins from three games and placing them among the teams well-placed to make a dash for the semi-finals from Group 2.

Ashraf, a left-arm spin-bowling allrounder, was one of the reserves with the squad, as per the allowance in view of Covid-19 quarantine requirements. He made his international debut in 2014 with an ODI against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. But in all, he has played only 17 ODIs, scoring 66 runs and picking up 13 wickets. In nine T20Is, he has 28 runs and five wickets.

Ashraf's last outing for Afghanistan was a T20I against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi in March earlier this year.

Afghanistan's next match is against India on Wednesday, followed by their last game of the Super 12s, against New Zealand on Sunday. Both games will be played in Abu Dhabi.