Pakistan-origin all-rounder Antum Naqvi is in line to make his international cricket debut after receiving official clearance from the International Cricket Council to represent Zimbabwe. The Belgian-born cricketer has been included in the national squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Afghanistan, which gets underway in Sharjah on Thursday.
Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed the player's eligibility on Wednesday, bringing a definitive end to a prolonged period of uncertainty caused by citizenship and documentation complications. The 27-year-old has been a standout performer in the country's domestic circuit since 2023, establishing himself as a reliable contributor with both bat and ball.
Naqvi boasts an exceptional first-class record, averaging 60.35 across 24 matches. During this period, he has accumulated six centuries and eight half-centuries, alongside taking 62 wickets to underscore his value as a genuine all-rounder.
One of the defining moments of his domestic career arrived in 2024 when he wrote his name into the record books. Playing for Mid-West Rhinos against Tuskers, he became the first batter to score a triple-century in Zimbabwe's domestic first-class cricket, finishing with an unbeaten 300.
Despite his prolific form, his path to international cricket has encountered several hurdles. He was initially selected for a T20I series against India in July 2024 but missed out due to pending naturalisation paperwork.
Further setbacks followed when incomplete documentation prevented him from featuring in a Test against Afghanistan in October 2025. Administrative delays persisted into June 2026, before the recent clearance finally resolved his eligibility status.
In the absence of regular skipper Richard Ngarava, who remains sidelined with a back injury, 22-year-old Brian Bennett will lead the side during the series. The leadership group will look to harness Naqvi's vast domestic experience as they tackle the challenge in the United Arab Emirates.
Zimbabwe squad for the Afghanistan Test series features Brian Bennett as captain, alongside 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.
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