afghanistan have announced their squads for the upcoming white ball series against Sri LankaWith a significant leadership change in the T20I format. Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) That opener was confirmed on Thursday ibrahim zadran Will lead the national team in T20 International. The announcement coincides with the unveiling of both the ODI and T20 squads for the limited-overs tour later this month.
The decision marks a new chapter for Afghanistan’s T20I setup, as Zadran replaces the star leg spinner Rashid Khan As captain. This step has been taken after the disappointing campaign in Afghanistan ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026Where the team failed to advance to the Super Eight stage.
Ibrahim Zadran given leadership role in T20Is
The Afghanistan Board has expressed its confidence in the young opening batsman by handing him the role of captaincy. Zadran previously served as the vice-captain of the T20I team and has been one of Afghanistan’s most reliable batsmen across all formats in recent years.
The ACB was reportedly reviewing the team’s leadership structure after the T20 World Cup. With the Sri Lanka series approaching, the board decided to make the change official by handing over the responsibility to Zadran, while Rashid will remain a key member of the team.
This decision signals the Board’s intention to create a new leadership structure while maintaining continuity within the team. Zadran’s calm nature and consistent performances with the bat are believed to have played an important role in the board’s decision.
Many changes in the squad structure
Along with the leadership change, Afghanistan have also made some notable adjustments to their squad for the upcoming series. fast bowler Fazalhaq FarooquiAll-rounder Gulbadin Naib and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Ishaq have not been included in the ODI or T20 squad despite being part of the squad during the recent T20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, several players have earned opportunities in the T20I setup. Top-order wicketkeeper-batsman Noor Rahman, left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Sharafuddin Ashraf and left-arm fast bowler Farid Ahmed Malik have been included in the T20 squad.
Farid Ahmed Malik has also returned to the ODI squad, adding experience to Afghanistan’s fast bowling department for the 50-over matches.
Zia ur Rehman Sharifi has been included in the ODI team for the first time
One of the most notable selections is that of Zia ur Rehman Sharifi, who has made his way into Afghanistan’s ODI squad for the first time. Sharifi featured in three of Afghanistan’s four matches during the T20 World Cup and impressed the team management with his performances.
His inclusion in the ODI squad reflects the selectors’ desire to gradually expand Afghanistan’s talent pool and give opportunities to emerging players on the international stage.
The white-ball series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka will consist of three T20 Internationals followed by three One Day Internationals. The T20I matches are scheduled to be played on March 13, March 15 and March 17, while the ODI series will take place on March 20, March 22 and March 25.
With a new captain and many new faces in the team in the shortest format, this series could mark the beginning of a new phase for Afghanistan cricket.
Also read: Afghanistan Cricket Board announces the schedule of the historic white ball series against Sri Lanka
Afghanistan team for Sri Lanka series
t20: Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Rehmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Noor Rehman (wicketkeeper), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Umarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Zia Ur Rehman Sharifi, Farid Ahmed Malik, Abdullah Ahmedzai.
ODI: Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmat Shah (vice-captain), Rehmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Ikram Alikhil (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Umarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Zia ur Rehman Sharifi, Farid Ahmed Malik, Bilal Sami.
Also read: BCCI reveals the schedule for India’s home series against Afghanistan
