Afghanistan enter U19 CWC with two players from the senior's team

One of the other players to do so include India leg-spinner Narendra Hirwani.

Published - 02 Jan 2018, 00:16 IST | Updated - 02 Jan 2018, 00:16 IST

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The phenomenon of players representing the senior national team before playing in the U19 CWCs is not a new one. Afghanistan captain Naveen-ul-Haq and off-spinner Mujeeb Zadran playing the U19CWC having represented the senior international cricket already before they participated in this tournament. This year, they will be new additions in a long list that includes the likes of Narendra Hirwani, Abdul Razzaq and Mushfiqur Rahim.

Captain Naveen-ul-Haq and off-spinner Mujeeb Zadran have experience at the top level and will be among the players to watch out for in the 16-side event. Zadran became the first 21st-century born male cricketer to play international cricket, registering figures of 4/ 24 on his ODI debut against Ireland in December 2017. This naturally strengthens the chances for Afghanistan in the tournament.

Rashid Khan

In fact, Rashid Khan was also eligible for this edition. The leg-spinner made his senior debut in October 2015 before playing in the 2016 U19 CWC. Shabir Noori and Najibullah Zadran, members of the 2012 U19 CWC squads, are two other Afghanistan players in this exclusive club.

On this phenomenon,both Naveen-ul-Haq and Mujeeb Zadran had something to say. Naveen said, “Playing for the senior team in the past will definitely help in the U19 World Cup, especially in terms of handling pressure and being able to play more freely.”

Mujeeb Zadran too seemed to agree with his team-mate and said, “It has been a helpful experience (having played senior international cricket) and will obviously help at the Under-19 level. There is obviously more pressure playing at the senior level but it is also great for gaining experience,” as quoted in an ICC media release.

One of the other players to do so include India leg-spinner Narendra Hirwani went into the inaugural U19 CWC in Australia in 1988 after creating a world record of 16 for 136 against the Windies. Pakistan’s Shakeel Khan also played in that tournament. The others from Pakistan to make similar entries include the youngest Test debutant Hasan Raza (1998 and 2000), Abdul Razzaq (1998) and Imran Nazir (2000).

Bangladesh’s Ranjan Das made his debut in the country’s inaugural Test match against India in November 2000. Mushfiqur Rahim, who made his debut at Lord’s in 2005 – Bangladesh’s first Test at the venue – is the only Test captain in the list.

Abdul Razzaq was one among many players to make his senior international debut for Pakistan before playing in the Under-19 World Cup. Razzaq was one among many players to make his senior international debut for Pakistan before playing in the Under-19 World Cup.