Afghanistan announced their lineups for the upcoming white ball series Sri LankaWith a significant change of leadership in the T20I format. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) He confirmed that he is inclined to open on Thursday Ibrahim Zadran He will lead the national team in T20 Internationals. The announcement came alongside the introduction of both the ODI and T20I teams for the limited-overs tour scheduled later this month.
The decision marks a new chapter for Afghanistan’s T20I setup as Zadran replaces the star leg-spinner Rashid Khan as a captain. The move follows a disappointing campaign in Afghanistan ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026here the team could not advance to the Super Eight stage.
Ibrahim Zadran handed over the leadership role in T20I
Afghanistan’s board of directors believed in the young player by promoting him to captaincy. Zadran previously served as the vice-captain of the T20I side and has been one of Afghanistan’s most reliable batsmen across formats in recent years.
After the ACB T20 World Cup, the team is said to be reviewing its management structure. As the Sri Lanka series approached, the board decided to formalize the change, with Rashid remaining a key member of the squad, handing over the responsibility to Zadran.
The decision signals the board’s intention to establish a new leadership structure while maintaining continuity within the team. Zadra’s calm demeanor and consistent performance with the bat is believed to have played a key role in the board’s decision.
A few changes in the composition of the team
Along with the change in management, Afghanistan have also made some notable adjustments to their squad for the upcoming series. Fast bowler Fazalhaq Farukiall-rounder Gulbadin Naib and wicketkeeper Muhammad Ishaq were not included in either the ODI or T20I squads despite being part of the squad during the last T20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, several players have bagged opportunities in the T20I setup. Top-order wicketkeeper Noor Rahman, spin-bowling all-rounder Sharafuddin Ashraf and left-arm spinner Fareed Ahmed Malik have been included in the T20I squad.
Fareed Ahmad Malik has also returned to the ODI squad, adding experience to Afghanistan’s pace department for 50-over matches.
Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi gets his first ODI call-up
One of the most notable selections is Zia Ur Rahman Sharif, who earned his maiden call-up to Afghanistan’s ODI squad. Sharifi featured in three of Afghanistan’s four matches during the T20 World Cup and impressed the team management with his performance.
His inclusion in the ODI squad reflects the selectors’ desire to gradually expand Afghanistan’s talent pool and give emerging players opportunities in the international arena.
The white ball series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka will consist of three T20 Internationals followed by three One Day Internationals. The T20I matches are scheduled to be played on March 13, 15 and 17, while the ODI series is scheduled to be played on March 20, 22 and 25.
With a new captain at the helm and several fresh faces in the squad in the shortest format, the series could mark the beginning of a new phase for Afghanistan cricket.
Afghanistan squads for Sri Lanka series
T20I: Ibrahim Zadran (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Noor Rahman (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rashid Khan, Nur Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zia Ur Rahmane, Fareed Ahmadi, Zia Ur Rahmane Ahmadi.
ODI: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Ahmadi, Zia.
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