Fahim qasemi

The Event Technical Committee: Right-hand batter Aqil Khan Obaid has replaced Hafieezullah Zadran in Afghanistan’s U19 World Cup squad after the latter was ruled out of the tournament owing to a wrist fracture that he sustained during the team’s campaign opener against South Africa.

Aqil was named one of the three reserve players alongside Fahim Qasemi and Izat Noor, who had travelled with the side, when the team announced the Mahboob Khan-led 15-member squad.

“The Event Technical Committee of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 has approved Aqil Khan Obaid as a replacement for Hafieezullah Zadran in the Afghanistan squad. Obaid was named as a replacement after Zadran was ruled out due to a fracture to his left wrist, which he sustained during Afghanistan’s successful tournament opening match against South Africa. He has been pronounced unable to continue his participation in the remainder of the tournament,” the ICC said in a statement.