Afghanistan Name Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has named its 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. All-rounder Rashid Khan will lead the team as captain. Afghanistan is placed in Group D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Canada.
Key Players and Returns
The squad includes a blend of experienced campaigners and match-winners. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the national team’s wicketkeeper-batter, and opening batter Ibrahim Zadran are key members of the batting unit. Spin department strength comes from Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman and left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad, while the pace attack features Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq. All-rounders such as Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai and Karim Janat also make up the side.
Team Strategy and Preparations
Afghanistan’s squad reflects its traditional balance between spin and pace, and selectors have backed a versatile core to tackle varied subcontinental conditions. The team reached the semi-finals of the previous T20 World Cup in 2024 and aims to build on that performance in 2026. Preparations include warm-up matches and training camps as the side readies for a challenging group stage.
World Cup Outlook
Afghanistan’s World Cup campaign opens against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai. The team’s mix of experienced leaders and emerging talent positions it as a competitive side in the global tournament, with expectations of key performances from its core players. Afghanistan will look to advance beyond the group stage and challenge some of the top cricketing nations.
Afghanistan squad: 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.
