Antum Naqvi Cleared for Zimbabwe Afghanistan Tests
Belgian-born all-rounder Antum Naqvi has been named in Zimbabwe’s squad for their upcoming two-match Test series against Afghanistan, which begins on Thursday, after finally receiving clearance to represent the country. The Zimbabwe Afghanistan Tests, to be played in Sharjah, could now give the 26-year-old his long-awaited international debut.
Naqvi has been playing domestic cricket in Zimbabwe since 2023, and he has fulfilled the International Cricket Council’s eligibility requirements. He is now in contention to make his Test debut in a series that Zimbabwe need to win to build momentum in the longest format.
A domestic record that demanded selection
Naqvi is regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s most promising batting talents, with a first-class average of 60.35. He made history in 2024 by becoming the first player to score a triple-century for any team in Zimbabwe’s domestic cricket, smashing an unbeaten 300 for Mid West Rhinos against Matabeleland Tuskers in a Logan Cup fixture in Harare.
In 24 first-class matches, Naqvi has scored six centuries and eight half-centuries, while also claiming 62 wickets. Those numbers explain why Zimbabwe’s selectors kept returning to his name, even while his paperwork stood in the way.
Zimbabwe Afghanistan Tests: the squad
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Brian Bennett will lead Zimbabwe in the absence of regular captain Richard Ngarava, who continues to recover from a back injury. Bennett will have an experienced batting unit at his disposal, featuring former captains Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor. Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia and Tadiwanashe Marumani are also expected to play key roles in the series.
Zimbabwe’s pace attack will be without Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga. However, Blessing Muzarabani will spearhead the bowling department alongside Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Kundai Matigimu and uncapped pacer Ernest Masuku.
Leg-spinner Graeme Cremer has also earned a recall to the Test squad. The 40-year-old has not played the longest format for nearly nine years, having last featured in a day-night Test against South Africa in December 2017. He has remained involved in Zimbabwe’s recent white-ball campaigns, however, and he brings valuable experience of playing in the United Arab Emirates, where he has lived for several years. He will be joined in the spin department by Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza and Naqvi.
Zimbabwe squad: Brian Bennett (captain), Antum Naqvi, Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Graeme Cremer, Innocent Kaia, Ernest Masuku, Kundai Matigimu, Newman Nyamhuri, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza and Wessly Madhevere.
A long road to clearance
Naqvi’s story carries a particular resonance for Pakistani readers, since he has Pakistani heritage and has also lived in Australia. He was initially called up by Zimbabwe for a T20I series against India in July 2024, but his participation was put on hold pending clarification of his passport status, as he had applied for Zimbabwean naturalisation.
He was subsequently named in Zimbabwe’s squad for a one-off Test against Afghanistan in October 2025, but he was again unable to make his international debut due to outstanding documentation. As recently as June this year, Zimbabwe Cricket was still awaiting confirmation of his eligibility. The board announced on Wednesday, however, that the all-rounder had finally received clearance to represent Zimbabwe.
That timeline shows how eligibility rules can stall a career even when form is not in doubt. The ICC’s residency and nationality requirements exist to protect the integrity of international cricket, but they can leave players in limbo for years. Naqvi’s case is now closed, and the selectors have wasted no time in picking him.
What the series means
Afghanistan will test Zimbabwe in Sharjah, where conditions reward patience and spin. Naqvi’s all-round skills suit that challenge, since he can bat long and bowl long spells if the pitch turns. Bennett’s young captaincy will also be watched closely, since leading a Test side at 22 is a major responsibility.
The series also matters for Zimbabwe’s wider cricket picture. The country has invested in domestic competitions like the Logan Cup, and Naqvi’s rise from that system to the Test squad shows the pathway working. Feature Pakistan has followed the region’s cricket closely, including Shaheen Shah Afridi’s ODI ranking rise in Shaheen Afridi climbs in ICC ODI rankings, the Pakistan women’s coaching change in Shane Deitz set as Pakistan women head coach, the Abu Dhabi T10 clearances in Pakistan cricketers await Abu Dhabi T10 NOCs, and the women’s game in Prema Rawat’s record fifty.
Geo Super reported the squad announcement from Harare. If Naqvi takes the field on Thursday, it will end a wait of more than two years, and it will give Zimbabwe a new weapon for a series they cannot afford to lose.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Antum Naqvi?
Antum Naqvi is a 26-year-old Belgian-born all-rounder with Pakistani heritage who has played domestic cricket in Zimbabwe since 2023 and averages 60.35 in first-class cricket.
Why did his debut take so long?
His participation was held up by passport and naturalisation issues. He was called up in July 2024 and again in October 2025, but documentation problems stopped him both times until clearance arrived this week.
What is his domestic record?
In 24 first-class matches he has scored six centuries and eight half-centuries, taken 62 wickets, and hit an unbeaten 300 for Mid West Rhinos in the Logan Cup in 2024.
Who will captain Zimbabwe against Afghanistan?
Brian Bennett, 22, will lead the side in the absence of regular captain Richard Ngarava, who is recovering from a back injury.
Why is Graeme Cremer’s recall notable?
Cremer, 40, has not played Test cricket for nearly nine years, since a day-night Test against South Africa in December 2017, although he has stayed involved in white-ball cricket.
When does the series start?
The two-match Test series against Afghanistan begins on Thursday in Sharjah.
