Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced that Rashid Khan will lead the Afghanistan cricket team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka. The 15-member squad was also confirmed for the upcoming T20I series against West Indies, starting January 19, 2026.
Afghanistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2026:
Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen Ul Haq, Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran.
Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi
The squad features key returns with veteran all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and pacer Naveen-ul-Haq coming back from a shoulder injury. Fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi, absent in the recent Bangladesh series, strengthens Afghanistan’s pace attack. Mujeeb Ur Rahman also joins the main squad, replacing AM Ghazanfar, who has been named among the reserves.
“Gulbadin Naib is a big-match player and his return boosts our team,” said ACB Chief Selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil. He added, “Naveen Ul Haq’s comeback improves our fast bowling, and although it was a difficult decision to leave AM Ghazanfar out, Mujeeb brings balance to the squad.”
Afghanistan has been placed in Group D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, and UAE. The Rashid Khan-led side will begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai.
Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group D Fixtures:
• vs New Zealand: February 8, Chennai
• vs South Africa: February 11, Ahmedabad
• vs UAE: February 16, Delhi
• vs Canada: February 19, Chennai
This squad selection positions Afghanistan as a competitive side aiming for a strong performance in the upcoming T20 World Cup.