The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has unveiled its 15-man squad for the upcoming t20 world cupScheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. star leg spinner Rashid Khan Will lead a balanced team consisting of a mix of experienced campaigners along with emerging talent.
Afghanistan have been placed in Pool D along with New Zealand, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Canada. Their campaign begins with a high-profile opener against New Zealand in Chennai on February 8, where Afghanistan’s famous spin attack is expected to get a boost.
Experienced corps spearheads Afghanistan campaign
The team has a strong backbone of proven artists. Dynamic openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Ishaq will handle wicketkeeping duties, while Ibrahim Zadran has been named vice-captain. The middle-order is bolstered by experienced all-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Umarzai, who provide both stability and flexibility.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack remains largely spin-oriented, with Rashid being joined by left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmed and mystery off-spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman. The pace department is led by Fazalhaq Farooqui, who provides swing and seam as well as variety.
Gulbadin Naib returned as a big match player
One of the most talked-about inclusions is experienced all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, who recently returned to the T20I setup after limited appearances. Afghanistan’s chief selector Ahmed Shah Suleimankhil told Naib “Big game player,” Reputation earned through years of clutch performance.
Naib has scored 986 runs at a strike rate of 121.57 and taken 35 wickets in 78 T20Is. His cool finishing ability was on display during the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final, where his unbeaten 15 off nine balls against South Africa played a decisive role in Afghanistan’s historic journey.
Naveen-ul-Haq strengthens seam attack
fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq Also made a timely comeback after recovering from a shoulder injury. At just 26, Naveen has already set an impressive T20I record with 67 wickets at an average of 18.73 and an economy rate of 7.78.
His experience in franchise leagues including IPL and CPL adds significant value. Naveen’s variations are expected to complement Faruqui’s left-arm pace, giving Afghanistan more flexibility on flat Indian surfaces.
Abdullah Ahmadzai selected for the World Cup for the first time
Young fast bowler Abdullah Ahmadzai was selected for the World Cup for the first time, while left-handed batsman Shahidullah Kamal retained his place to provide balance in the middle order. Despite good performances, spinner AM Ghazanfar has been kept in the reserves along with Ijaz Ahmedzai and Zia ur Rehman Sharifi.
Afghanistan will use the T20 series against West Indies in the UAE from January 19 to 22 as preparation.
Also read: England reveal provisional squad for T20 World Cup 2026, no place for Jamie Smith
Afghanistan squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Rashid Khan (captain), Abdullah Ahmedzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqui, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Umarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran, Noor Ahmed
Reserves: Allah Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Zia ur Rehman Sharifi.
Also read: India’s squad unveiled for T20 World Cup 2026, Shubman Gill out, Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh return