The Afghanistan Cricket Board has revealed a 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held across India and Sri Lanka in February-March. Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan has been named captain as Afghanistan prepare for another major global tournament in the subcontinent.
Ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Afghanistan national cricket team will fine-tune their preparations with a three-match T20I series against the West Indies. The same squad selected for the World Cup will take part in the upcoming series, giving the team continuity before the global tournament.
The series will be played in the United Arab Emirates from January 19 to January 22. Notably, the matches are expected to help the Afghan team test combinations, assess player form, and settle their playing XI ahead of the tournament.
Afghanistan T20 World Cup Squad Announced, Rashid Khan Named Captain, AM Ghazanfar snubbed
Rashid Khan will lead Afghanistan in the upcoming T20 assignments. The squad has received a boost with the return of seasoned all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and fast bowler Naveen ul Haq, who is back after recovering from a shoulder injury.
Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, along with other younger talents, have been picked for the World Cup. Afghanistan selectors focused on experience, balance, and depth as they prepare for the West Indies series and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Squad for the West Indies Series and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Rashid Khan (Captain), Ibrahim Zadran (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Mohammad Ishaq (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen Ul Haq, Fazal Haq Farooqi and Abdullah Ahmadzai
Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi
ACB Confident Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
Officials from the Afghanistan Cricket Board are confident about the team’s prospects heading into the T20 World Cup 2026. CEO Naseeb Khan said that Asian conditions will suit Afghanistan.
“AfghanAtalan had a terrific run in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup. We cherish excellent memories from the past and hope for even better results this year, which will be played in Asian conditions. Hosting the West Indies team provides us with an incredible opportunity to fine-tune our combination and prepare adequately for the World Cup,” Naseeb Khan stated.
Chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil stated that the return of Gulbadin Naib boosts the team due to his big-match experience, while Naveen ul Haq’s comeback strengthens the pace attack. Sulimankhil also admitted that AM Ghazanfar missed out to make room for Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
“We had good discussions over the past few days and finalized the squad. Gulbadin Naib is a big-match player, and his return boosts our team. We are also pleased to have Naveen Ul Haq back, which enhances the quality of our fast bowling,” Shah Sulimankhil added.
“It was a tough decision to leave AM Ghazanfar out of the main squad, as his place made way for Mujeeb. Shahidullah Kamal performed well in the recent event and provides us with a valuable left-handed option, which is crucial in major tournaments.”
Also read: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in 2026: India’s Full Cricket Schedule Revealed
