Afghanistan Announces Squad for Upcoming T20 World Cup with Rashid Khan as Captain

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has officially announced its squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with Rashid Khan leading the team. The squad includes notable returns such as Gulbadin Naib and Naveen-ul-Haq, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman replaces A.M. Ghazanfar. Afghanistan aims to build on their recent semifinal success in the 2024 T20 World Cup as they prepare to face tough competition in Group D against teams like New Zealand and South Africa. The tournament kicks off on February 7, 2026, with Afghanistan's first match scheduled for February 8 in Chennai.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 31, 2025, 17:10 IST

Afghanistan's T20 World Cup Team Announcement

On Wednesday, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) revealed its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with Rashid Khan taking the helm as captain. This same team will also compete in a T20 international series against the West Indies starting January 19, 2026. The T20 World Cup is set to kick off on February 7, 2026, according to the ICC's official website. Notably, all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq, who is returning from a shoulder injury, have made their way back into the squad.

Key Changes and Player Returns

Fazalhaq Farooqi, who missed the recent series against Bangladesh, will bolster Afghanistan's pace attack. Another significant change is the inclusion of Mujeeb Ur Rahman in place of A.M. Ghazanfar, who has been retained as a reserve player for the tournament. ACB's chief selector, Ahmad Shah Soleiman Khil, expressed confidence in Gulbadin Naib's experience in high-stakes matches, stating that his return strengthens the team. He also welcomed Naveen-ul-Haq back, which enhances the quality of their fast bowling. Excluding A.M. Ghazanfar from the main squad was a tough decision, given Mujeeb's inclusion.

Afghanistan's Recent Achievements

Afghanistan reached the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, marking their first significant achievement in ICC tournaments. In the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Afghanistan is placed in Group D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, and the UAE. The team, led by Rashid Khan, will commence their campaign against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai.

Complete Afghanistan Squad

The Afghanistan team comprises: Rashid Khan (Captain), Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Siddiqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, and Ibrahim Zadran.

Reserve players include: A.M. Ghazanfar, Ejaz Ahmadzai, and Ziaur Rahman Sharifi.