The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its upcoming 15-man squad. T20 World CupIt is planned to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Star leg spinner Rashid Khan will lead a balanced staff combining experienced campaigners with new talent.
Afghanistan have been drawn in Pool D along with New Zealand, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Canada. Their campaign begins on February 8 with a high-profile game against New Zealand in Chennai, which is expected to help Afghanistan’s famous spin attack.
An experienced major anchors the Afghanistan campaign
The squad has a strong backbone of proven performers. Dynamic opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Ishaq will share the wicketkeeping duties, while Ibrahim Zadran has been named vice-captain. The middle order is bolstered by experienced all-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai, who offer both stability and flexibility.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack remains heavily spin-oriented, with Rashid joined by left-arm wrist spinner Nur Ahmed and enigmatic off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The pace department is headed by Fazalhaq Farooqi who provides variety along with swing and seam.
Gulbedin Naib returns as a great player
One of the most talked about additions is veteran all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, who returns to the T20I setup after limited recent appearances. Chief Elector of Afghanistan Ahmed Shah Sulimankhil described Naib as follows “Big Game Player” a reputation earned with clutch performances.
Naib scored 986 balls at a strike rate of 121.57 and claimed 35 wickets in 78 T20Is. His calm finishing ability was on display in the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, where his unbeaten nine-ball 15 against South Africa proved crucial in Afghanistan’s historic run.
Naveen-ul-Haq powers the seam attack
Fast bowler Navin-ul-Haq also made a timely comeback after recovering from a shoulder injury. At just 26, Naveen has an impressive T20I record of 67 wickets at an average of 18.73 and an economy rate of 7.78.
His experience in franchise leagues including IPL and CPL adds significant value. Naveen’s variations are expected to complement Farooq’s left-arm pace and give Afghanistan more flexibility on flatter Indian surfaces.
Abdullah Ahmadzai was invited to the World Cup for the first time
Young pacer Abdullah Ahmadzai received his first World Cup call-up, while left-handed batsman Shahidullah Kamal retained his place to provide balance in the middle order. Spinner AM Ghazanfar has been named among the reserves along with Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi despite their strong performances.
Afghanistan will use the T20I series against the West Indies in the UAE from January 19 to 22 as a warm-up.
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Afghanistan Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Rashid Khan (captain), Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Faruqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darvish Rasuli, Ibrahim Zadran, Nur Ahmed
Reserves: Allah Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharif.
