T20 World Cup 2024: Hazratullah Zazai approved as replacement for Mujeeb Ur Rahman in Afghanistan squad

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 has approved Hazratullah Zazai as a replacement for Mujeeb ur Rahman in the Afghanistan squad.

Hazratullah, who has played 43 T20Is, was named as a replacement after Mujeeb was ruled out due to an injury to his right index finger. The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the player can be officially added to the squad.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan are having a dream run at the T20 World Cup 2024 and have already qualified for Super 8 after their seven-wicket win against PNG. Afghanistan is currently unbeaten in their group along with West Indies and have one more match left to be played before the Super 8 begins.

"Feeling great to qualify for the next round. This is the first time for Afghanistan has been in the Super Eight in T20Is. The boys have done well, adjusting to the conditions very quickly and that is something very pleasing for me. It is very important to have someone like him (Farooqi), and it helps you later as well if you get a couple of wickets. The more you attack when there is help for you, the better it is for you. Even if the batter is attacking, you have to attack as well. We are lucky to have him on our side. (On Afghanistan's middle order) We are happy with the way the openers played in the first two games. 

"But the middle order is all in form and they just need more time. Sometimes, it is hard in T20s when you have just 15-18 balls. It is hard to hit from ball one in these conditions. In the domestic competition, they also scored runs. If they get more opportunities, they will perform and give their best to the team. (On now traveling to St. Lucia) That is the beauty of playing franchise cricket, you have an idea about the wicket. Most of the guys, like Nabi, and Gurbaz played in St. Lucia and we have to share that experience with the guys who have not played much (there). It is about playing your natural cricket in those conditions. We will not change our brand of cricket, and it is about how we will play that brand in those conditions. Everyone has that ability to adjust to the conditions quickly and hopefully, we will have a good game there as well," said Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan after their qualification to next round.