The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The global tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan will continue to lead the side, aiming to build on their historic semi-final run in the 2024 edition.
Key Returns and Squad Composition
The squad sees significant boosts with the return of two experienced campaigners. Veteran all-rounder Gulbadin Naib makes his comeback, bringing his big-match prowess to the team. Furthermore, right-arm fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq is included after successfully recovering from a shoulder injury that had sidelined him.
Left-handed middle-order batter Shahidullah Kamal and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq have retained their places based on recent performances. Young pace sensation Abdullah Ahmadzai has earned a coveted spot in the main squad, highlighting the team's blend of youth and experience.
Pacer Fazal Haq Farooqi, who missed the recent series against Bangladesh and played only the final T20I against Zimbabwe, has been deemed fit and selected. The inclusion of mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman adds further depth to a potent bowling attack. The reserves list includes AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
Road to the World Cup and Official Statements
As a crucial part of their preparation, Afghanistan will lock horns with the West Indies in a three-match T20I series in the UAE from January 19 to 22. The board has selected the identical 15-player World Cup squad for this series, aiming to fine-tune combinations.
ACB CEO Naseeb Khan expressed optimism, stating, "AfghanAtalan had a terrific run in the previous T20 World Cup. We cherish those memories and hope for even better results this year in familiar Asian conditions. The series against West Indies is an incredible opportunity to prepare adequately."
Chief Selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil elaborated on the selection decisions: "Gulbadin Naib is a proven big-match player, and his return is a major boost. Having Naveen-ul-Haq back enhances our fast bowling quality. It was tough to leave Ghazanfar out, but Shahidullah Kamal provides a crucial left-handed option we need for major tournaments."
World Cup Draw and Campaign Opener
In the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Afghanistan finds itself in Pool D. They will face stiff competition from New Zealand, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada. The Afghan team will begin their campaign against New Zealand on February 8, 2026, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
This announcement comes on the back of Afghanistan's sensational performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they captured the imagination of the cricket world by reaching the semi-finals for the first time, eventually losing to South Africa.
Afghanistan's T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Rashid Khan (Captain), Ibrahim Zadran (Vice-Captain), 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, Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
