Afghanistan Cricket Board has officially announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be held in India and Sri Lanka, with Rashid Khan continuing as captain. The same squad will also feature in a three-match T20I series against West Indies in the UAE as part of their build-up to the global tournament.
Afghanistan enter the competition with growing confidence after their historic semi-final finish at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they defeated several top-ranked teams and announced themselves as serious contenders on the world stage.
Afghanistan Squad and Key Inclusions
The squad sees the return of several experienced players, including left-arm fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi and allrounder Gulbadin Naib, both of whom missed the white-ball tour of Bangladesh in October. Their inclusion adds depth and balance, particularly in Asian conditions where variations and allround skills are crucial.
Offspinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has also been recalled, pushing young mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar into the reserves list alongside Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi. Right-arm seamer Naveen-ul-Haq makes a comeback after recovering from a shoulder injury that kept him out of the Asia Cup in September. His last T20I appearance for Afghanistan came against Zimbabwe in December 2024.
The squad combines experience and youth, with established names like Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Rashid Khan joined by emerging batters such as Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli. Ibrahim Zadran has been named vice-captain, underlining his growing leadership role within the team.
Afghanistan squad for West Indies T20Is and T20 World Cup 2026:
Rashid Khan (capt), Ibrahim Zadran (vice-capt), 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, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai.
World Cup Preparations and Tournament Outlook
Afghanistan’s T20I series against West Indies will be played from January 19 to 22 in the UAE, offering a valuable opportunity to finalize combinations and assess player form ahead of the World Cup. ACB CEO Naseeb Khan highlighted the importance of these matches, stating that the team aims to build on the momentum and memories from their outstanding 2024 campaign.
At the T20 World Cup 2026, Afghanistan have been placed in Group D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, UAE, and Canada. They will begin their campaign against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai, a high-profile clash that could set the tone for their tournament.
With proven match-winners, strong spin options, and increasing big-tournament experience, Afghanistan will once again look to challenge the traditional powerhouses and push for another deep run in the T20 World Cup.
