The semi-finalists of the 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan, are set to make a big announcement ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. If the reports are to be believed, then the former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik will be appointed as their mentor for the flagship tournament.
On Monday, February 2, it is reported that the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is all set to appoint Dinesh Karthik as their mentor for the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be a massive call by the cricket board.
Dinesh Karthik set to join the Afghanistan cricket team for the T20 World Cup 2026
Since the rise of the Afghanistan cricket team, they have developed themselves as one of the most surprising packages in the T20 Internationals. In the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup too, they can be considered the dark horse in the title race. Karthik, with all his experiences in this particular format, can be very useful for the team.
Dinesh karthik to be announced as mentor of Afghanistan team for T20I WC 2026. pic.twitter.com/vCNmNL85GA
— ACB Xtra (@acb_190) February 2, 2026
Last year, Dinesh Karthik, as a coaching staff member, got one of the most cherished moments as a coach and a former cricketer. He helped the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to win their maiden Indian Premier League title. Karthik was RCB’s batting coach and mentor for the IPL 2025 season. The title win proves that the ex-cricketer is one of the best in the business for the roles. He is expected to join the Afghanistan cricket team as a mentor as well.
ACB announced the appointments of new faces as well
Earlier this year, the Afghanistan Cricket Board announced the appointments of Toby Radford and Robert Ahmun. Radford has been appointed as the national team’s batting coach, while Ahmun has been working as the strength & conditioning trainer. Karthik will join Radford and Ahmun under the close observation of the head coach and former England cricketer Jonathan Trott.
Afghanistan, placed in Group D, will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 journey on February 8, after a couple of warm-up matches. They are in a competitive group, as they are scheduled to face New Zealand, South Africa, UAE, and Canada, respectively. As per the rules, two teams from each group will qualify for the next round, which is the round of eight.
Tough challenge in front of the Afghanistan cricket team
If Afghanistan wants to be in the title race, then they must defeat New Zealand or South Africa. On paper, New Zealand and South Africa are the favourites to top Group D’s points table. Rashid Khan and his boys are gearing up forthe matches ahead.
Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup group fixtures:
v New Zealand: February 8, Chennai
v South Africa: February 11, Ahmedabad
v UAE: February 16, Delhi
v Canada: February 19, Chennai
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