The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has unveiled their 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan will lead a balanced squad that blends skilled campaigners with rising expertise.
Afghanistan have been positioned in Pool D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Canada. Their marketing campaign begins with a high-profile opener towards New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai, a venue anticipated to help Afghanistan’s famend spin assault.
Skilled core anchors Afghanistan’s marketing campaign
The squad contains a sturdy backbone of confirmed performers. Dynamic opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Ishaq will share wicketkeeping duties, whereas Ibrahim Zadran has been named vice-captain. The center order is bolstered by seasoned allrounders Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai, providing each stability and adaptability.
Afghanistan’s bowling assault stays closely spin-oriented, with Rashid joined by left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad and thriller off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The tempo division is led by Fazalhaq Farooqi, offering selection alongside swing and seam.
Gulbadin Naib returns as big-match participant
One of the crucial talked-about inclusions is veteran allrounder Gulbadin Naib, who returned to the T20I setup after restricted current appearances. Afghanistan chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil described Naib as a “big-match participant,” a fame earned by way of years of clutch performances.
Naib has amassed 986 at a strike fee of 121.57 and claimed 35 wickets throughout 78 T20Is. His calm ending potential was on show throughout the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final, the place his unbeaten 15 off 9 balls towards South Africa performed a decisive function in Afghanistan’s historic run.
Naveen-ul-Haq strengthens the seam assault
Quick bowler Naveen-ul-Haq additionally made a well timed comeback after recovering from a shoulder damage. At simply 26, Naveen has already constructed a formidable T20I document, with 67 wickets at a median of 18.73 and an economic system fee of seven.78.
His expertise in franchise leagues, together with the IPL and CPL, provides important worth. Naveen’s variations are anticipated to enhance Farooqi’s left-arm tempo, giving Afghanistan higher flexibility on flatter Indian surfaces.
Abdullah Ahmadzai receives maiden World Cup call-up
Younger pacer Abdullah Ahmadzai obtained a maiden World Cup call-up, whereas left-handed batter Shahidullah Kamal retained his spot to offer steadiness within the center order. Spinner AM Ghazanfar, regardless of sturdy performances, has been named among the many reserves together with Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
Afghanistan will use a T20I sequence towards West Indies within the UAE from January 19 to 22 as preparation.
Additionally READ: England unveils provisional squad for T20 World Cup 2026, no place for Jamie Smith
Afghanistan squad for the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Rashid Khan (captain), Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran, Noor Ahmad
Reserves: Allah Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
Additionally READ: Shubman Gill dropped, Ishan Kishan & Rinku Singh return as India unveil squad for T20 World Cup 2026
