🇦🇫 Afghanistan Suffer Major Setback Ahead of ODI Series vs Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi
Afghanistan’s preparation for the much-anticipated three-match ODI series against Bangladesh has been hit by a massive blow as right-arm pacer Mohammad Saleem has been ruled out due to a groin (adductor) overload injury. The series, scheduled to be played at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi from October 8 to 11, is being seen as a crucial step in both teams’ build-up towards the ICC ODI World Cup cycle and Asia Cup preparation.
This unexpected injury has forced the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to reshuffle its bowling unit, calling in Bilal Sami as a replacement — a young, fiery pacer with raw potential and growing domestic experience.
Let’s dive deep into this setback, Afghanistan’s squad strength, what it means for Bangladesh’s challenge, and expert insights from Cricketory’s analysis desk.
⚡ Background: Why This ODI Series Matters So Much
Although it’s “just” a three-match series on paper, the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh ODI 2025 carries much more weight in context.
- It’s Afghanistan’s first home (hosted-abroad) assignment post their Asia campaign.
- It’s a rare ODI series being held in Abu Dhabi, a neutral yet familiar venue for Afghanistan.
- Both teams are eyeing consistency in the 50-over format ahead of 2026’s packed ICC calendar.
For Afghanistan, this is not just about winning — it’s about testing bench strength, refining leadership under Hashmatullah Shahidi, and preparing younger bowlers for international pressure.
💔 Mohammad Saleem’s Injury: What Exactly Happened
According to the official Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) statement, Mohammad Saleem, the 23-year-old fast bowler known for his sharp pace and bounce, has suffered a groin (adductor) overload.
This kind of injury often results from intense training workloads, especially in fast bowlers who undergo repetitive sprint and delivery-stride stress.
Saleem, who has played two ODIs and one Test so far, was seen as a key part of Afghanistan’s pace battery. His last international appearance came against Sri Lanka earlier this year in the longest format, where he impressed with movement and discipline.
Unfortunately, the medical team recommended rest and rehabilitation, ruling him out of the upcoming series. Saleem will now report to ACB’s High-Performance Centre in Kabul to undergo a full recovery and strength-conditioning program.
👥 Replacement Alert: Who is Bilal Sami?
With Saleem out, Bilal Sami, another exciting young pacer, has been drafted into the squad.
At just 21 years old, Bilal has already begun to turn heads with his sharp seam movement and ability to bowl in the powerplay. Though he’s played only one ODI for Afghanistan (against Zimbabwe in December 2024), his List-A record is impressive — 25 matches, 44 wickets, at an average of 25.72.
🌟 Domestic Form:
Recently representing Speen Ghar Region in the Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One-Day Tournament, Bilal picked up 10 wickets at an average of 22.90 and an economy rate of 4.97 — showing both wicket-taking skill and control.
His performances have earned him the tag of “the next big thing” among Afghanistan’s fast-bowling reserves, following the footsteps of Naveen-ul-Haq and Fareed Ahmad.
🧩 Afghanistan’s Updated ODI Squad for Bangladesh Series
Here’s the official updated squad as confirmed by the ACB:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad, Bilal Sami.
Reserve: Faridoon Dawoodzai
This squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging stars — maintaining the core while experimenting with depth.
🧠 Cricketory Insights & Tactical Breakdown
At Cricketory, our analysts view this series as a testing ground for Afghanistan’s ODI balance and leadership resilience. Here’s what our experts believe will define the outcome:
1️⃣ Leadership Focus: Hashmatullah Shahidi’s Role
Shahidi’s captaincy will be under scrutiny, especially after mixed results in recent tours. His calm approach suits ODI cricket, but tactical aggression against Bangladesh’s batting line-up will be key.
2️⃣ Rashid Khan’s All-Round Importance
Rashid Khan remains the spine of Afghanistan cricket. His spin control, lower-order hitting, and leadership influence make him indispensable. Expect him to attack early in middle overs against Bangladesh’s left-handers.
3️⃣ Bilal Sami’s Opportunity
With Saleem sidelined, Bilal now carries the responsibility to make a statement. A strong showing could cement his place for the long run.
4️⃣ Batting Consistency
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran must set the tone. Afghanistan’s Achilles heel has been top-order collapses, something Bangladesh will exploit if early wickets fall.
5️⃣ Finishing Power
Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi’s finishing roles are critical. Afghanistan’s ability to reach 280+ consistently could define the series.
🌍 Venue Spotlight: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Hosting international matches again, Zayed Cricket Stadium has historically provided balanced conditions — offering early swing under lights and slow turn in the latter half.
- Pitch type: Dry surface with moderate bounce
- Expected scores: 260–280 (par score)
- Best time to bat: First 35 overs
- Weather: Warm evenings with mild humidity
Both teams will have to manage dew in night games, especially spinners like Rashid Khan and Shakib Al Hasan (if playing for Bangladesh).
🇧🇩 Bangladesh’s Challenge: Momentum and Experience
Bangladesh arrive with strong motivation. They’ve beaten Afghanistan in ODIs before but struggled in neutral conditions.
Key players like Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taskin Ahmed are expected to feature, providing both batting depth and pace options. Bangladesh’s ODI unit is one of the most experienced in Asia, but Abu Dhabi conditions might neutralize their spinners’ impact.
📈 Afghanistan’s Strengths vs Weaknesses
| Category | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Batting | Explosive openers (Gurbaz, Zadran) | Middle-order inconsistency |
| Bowling | World-class spin (Rashid, Nabi) | Lack of pace backup post-Saleem |
| Fielding | Agile young squad | Occasional drop in intensity |
| Leadership | Tactical composure under Shahidi | Need sharper on-field aggression |
🧩 What This Means for Afghanistan’s ODI Future
This injury setback, while disappointing, is part of Afghanistan’s growing pains as an emerging cricket powerhouse. Their goal isn’t just to win this series, but to:
- Build squad depth beyond first-choice bowlers
- Rotate pacers smartly to avoid injuries
- Groom future leaders in both batting and bowling units
- Strengthen performance culture for major ICC tournaments
🗣️ What Officials Are Saying
An ACB official told Cricketory:
“Saleem’s injury is unfortunate, but we’re confident Bilal Sami will seize the opportunity. Our High-Performance Centre is actively monitoring player workloads to prevent long-term issues.”
Another source added:
“This series is a stepping stone for our next ODI cycle. Every player knows the importance of performing under home conditions.”
💬 Fan Reactions on Social Media
Afghanistan fans flooded X (Twitter) and Instagram with emotional reactions following Saleem’s injury update.
Some expressed disappointment at losing a promising pacer, while others showed optimism over Bilal Sami’s inclusion:
- “Heartbreaking to lose Saleem, but excited to see Bilal Sami in action!”
- “Time for young guns to shine. Afghanistan zindabad!”
- “Rashid & Nabi need to guide this young team through.”
Hashtags like #AFGvBAN #AfghanistanCricket #SaleemOut #BilalSamiDebut have already begun trending across South Asian cricket circles.
🔍 Cricketory’s Analytical Prediction
Our data team simulated the series using historical ODI stats and pitch trends at Abu Dhabi:
- Afghanistan Win Probability: 56%
- Bangladesh Win Probability: 44%
- Key Performers Predicted: Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Taskin Ahmed
- Series Scoreline Forecast: Afghanistan 2-1 Bangladesh
Expect tight contests, with spinners playing decisive roles during the final overs.
🧠 Expert Analysis: Why Injuries Could Reshape Afghanistan’s 2025 Plans
Fast-bowler injuries have long haunted developing cricket nations like Afghanistan. The lack of sports science infrastructure and recovery protocols can amplify minor issues into major absences.
However, the establishment of ACB’s High Performance Centre in Kabul is a positive step. Regular physio assessments, rotational training loads, and biomechanical analysis are being integrated to reduce injury recurrence.
Saleem’s current setback may pave the way for systematic workload management in Afghanistan cricket — something essential if they wish to compete consistently against top-tier nations.
📆 Afghanistan vs Bangladesh 2025 ODI Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | October 8, 2025 | Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
| 2nd ODI | October 9, 2025 | Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
| 3rd ODI | October 11, 2025 | Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
All matches are day-night fixtures and will be broadcast live across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and the Middle East.
🧭 Cricketory Verdict: Setback, But Not a Crisis
While losing Saleem is undoubtedly a blow, Afghanistan’s bench depth offers reasons for optimism. Bilal Sami’s inclusion could spark new energy in the attack, and with Rashid Khan’s spin mastery, Mohammad Nabi’s calmness, and Gurbaz’s firepower, Afghanistan still look well-balanced.
The real test lies in execution under pressure — something the team has struggled with against disciplined opponents like Bangladesh.
If Afghanistan manage to dominate early overs and avoid collapses, they could very well emerge as series winners and send a strong message to the cricket world.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1️⃣ Who replaced Mohammad Saleem in Afghanistan’s ODI squad?
A: Bilal Sami, a 21-year-old fast bowler, replaced Mohammad Saleem after the latter suffered a groin injury.
2️⃣ Where will the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh ODI series be played?
A: The series will be held at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi from October 8 to 11, 2025.
3️⃣ What kind of injury did Saleem suffer?
A: Saleem sustained a groin (adductor) overload, common among fast bowlers due to high physical workload.
4️⃣ Who is captaining Afghanistan for the ODI series?
A: Hashmatullah Shahidi continues as captain, with Rahmat Shah serving as vice-captain.
5️⃣ Is Rashid Khan playing in this series?
A: Yes, Rashid Khan is part of the squad and expected to play a central role in both bowling and leadership support.
🕊️ Conclusion: A Crucial Test for Afghanistan’s Depth and Discipline
The Afghanistan vs Bangladesh ODI series in Abu Dhabi promises not just thrilling cricket but also a glimpse into the future of Afghan cricket.
While Mohammad Saleem’s injury is a setback, it opens doors for emerging talents like Bilal Sami to prove their mettle on the international stage.
As both teams prepare for the first ball on October 8, all eyes will be on how Afghanistan bounce back, rebuild confidence, and turn adversity into opportunity — something their cricketing journey has always symbolized