Zimbabwe Recall Graeme Cremer After Nine Years for Afghanistan Test Series

Zimbabwe Cricket has announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates, beginning November 5. With regular captain Richard Ngarava unavailable due to injury, young all-rounder Brian Bennett has been appointed captain. One of the biggest highlights of the squad announcement is the return of veteran leg-spinner Graeme Cremer, who last played a Test match in December 2017. After nearly nine years away from Test cricket, Cremer has earned another opportunity to represent Zimbabwe in the longest format.

Another notable inclusion is Belgium-born batter Antum Naqvi, who has been playing domestic first-class cricket in Zimbabwe. He made headlines in January 2024 by scoring an unbeaten 300 off 295 balls for Mid West Rhinos in the Logan Cup, becoming the first player to register a triple century in Zimbabwe's domestic first-class cricket. Although he was previously selected for international assignments, citizenship and documentation issues prevented his debut. According to reports, he has now received ICC clearance and could make his international debut against Afghanistan. The squad also includes experienced players such as Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine and Blessing Muzarabani.