Rashid Khan is one of the best players in Afghanistan’s cricket history. His skill as a bowler has made him one of the most dangerous players in world cricket. Although Rashid is not the captain, he is a leader on the field. He has played a key role in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket, making his presence in major tournaments like the 2025 Champions Trophy crucial. However, his history of injuries, including a back surgery and a hamstring injury in 2024, raises concerns. If he gets injured during the tournament, Afghanistan will need other players to step up.
In this article, we look at the key players who can replace Rashid Khan if he is unavailable for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Key Players Who Can Step Up
If Rashid Khan is not available, Afghanistan has several players who can take on the responsibility. The following three players will be essential for Afghanistan’s success in the tournament:
Noor Ahmad – The Young Spin Star
Noor Ahmad is a young left-arm wrist spinner with a lot of promise. He has played in various T20 leagues and has shown his talent, especially in the 2025 SA20, where he took 13 wickets in 9 matches. Although he has played only 10 ODIs, his experience in T20s gives him the confidence to perform in any format.
Noor has the ability to turn the ball on flat pitches, which will be useful in Pakistan. His ODI career is still young, but his success in T20 cricket shows his potential. If Rashid is unavailable, Noor will need to perform well in the 50-over format and be a key bowler for Afghanistan.
Mohammad Nabi – The Experienced All-Rounder
Mohammad Nabi is one of Afghanistan’s most experienced players. With over 140 ODIs to his name, Nabi has proven himself as both a reliable batsman and a skilled bowler. His experience will be crucial if Rashid Khan is not available.
Nabi can bat in any position and is known for his finishing ability. He has scored over 3600 runs and taken 172 wickets in ODIs. His experience in playing in leagues like the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will help him perform well in the Champions Trophy. As a bowler, he must take wickets and guide younger players through difficult moments. His leadership skills will be important in guiding the team without Rashid.
Allah Ghazanfar – The Young Mystery Spinner
Allah Ghazanfar, just 18 years old, has already shown great promise as a mystery spinner. In just 11 ODIs, he has taken 21 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. His accuracy and ability to bowl in a straight line make him a difficult bowler to face. Ghazanfar’s mystery spin makes him a valuable asset, especially against teams that may not be familiar with his style of bowling.
In the Champions Trophy, Ghazanfar’s ability to surprise batters will be crucial. His unique bowling style can be a key weapon for Afghanistan, especially if Rashid Khan is unavailable.