Afghanistan Unveils Historic Jersey for Champions Trophy 2025
KABUL: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially unveiled the national team’s jersey for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE. The newly designed kit incorporates elements of Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage, making it a significant outfit.
A key feature of the jersey is the depiction of an ancient pillar, Jam Minaret, located in Firuzkuh along the banks of Harirod River. Believed to be around 800 years old, Jam Minaret is 65 meters high and depicts the elegance of cultural heritage of Afghanistan and elegance of Naksh calligraphy.
In a statement, the board highlighted that the pillar represents the identity of Herat, the legacy of Badakhshan, the determination of Gandhara, and the pride of Arachosia.
Afghanistan has been placed in Group B for the Champions Trophy, alongside South Africa, England, and Australia. The national team will begin its campaign against South Africa on February 21 in Karachi, followed by matches against England on February 26 and Australia on February 28, both scheduled to be played in Lahore. The tournament will kick off on February 19, with Afghanistan aiming to make a strong impression in its first-ever appearance.
The ACB has announced a 15-member squad for the tournament, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi as captain and Rahmat Shah Zarmati as vice-captain. The team includes key players such as Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, and Fazalhaq Farooqi, among others. Additionally, Darwish Rasooli, Bilal Sami, and Nangyal Kharoti have been named as reserves. The squad is being viewed as a well-balanced combination of experienced players and emerging talent.
The ICC Champions Trophy was first introduced in 1998 and is set to be played for the ninth time in 2025. Originally known as the ICC KnockOut Trophy, the tournament features the world’s top eight ODI teams competing for the title. South Africa won the inaugural edition in 1998 and Pakistan won the Trophy in 2017. India and Australia have won the tournament twice each, making them the most successful teams in the competition’s history.
Afghanistan’s participation in the 2025 edition marks a new milestone in the country’s cricketing journey. With a strong squad and a symbolic new jersey, expectations are high for a competitive performance on the global stage.
