Afghanistan Set to Face India in Historic T20 Series and Test Match

Afghanistan is gearing up to host India for a T20 series and a historic Test match, marking a significant moment in their cricketing rivalry. This encounter will be the first red-ball match between the two nations since Afghanistan's Test debut in 2018. With a mix of experienced players and newcomers, Afghanistan aims to challenge India at the newly built Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur. As both teams prepare for this exciting clash, cricket fans are eager to see how this match unfolds, especially given Afghanistan's impressive journey in international cricket since their inception.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 3, 2026, 04:26 IST

A New Chapter in Cricket Rivalry

As Afghanistan prepares to host India in New Delhi for a three-match T20 series starting June 6, the cricketing relationship between these two nations is poised for a significant evolution at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

The upcoming one-off Test will be Afghanistan's first red-ball match against India since their Test debut in 2018. That inaugural encounter, held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, concluded in just two days, marking India as the first Asian team to achieve such a rapid victory. Despite the disappointing outcome for Afghanistan, the team has made strides since then, making it less likely for India to secure an easy win in Mullanpur. This Test comes at a time when many Afghan players are based abroad, participating in club cricket in the UAE, India, and other locations, following the Taliban's takeover in 2021, yet they continue to pursue their cricketing ambitions on the international stage.

Afghanistan has played a total of 10 Tests, facing teams like Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Bangladesh, and has secured three victories against Bangladesh, Ireland, and Zimbabwe. This match will not only be their first Test at Mullanpur but also the inaugural Test hosted by the Punjab Cricket Association at the newly constructed Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium, adding to its historical importance.

Since their inception in the ICC World Cricket League Division in 2008 and achieving Full Member status in 2017, Afghanistan's journey has been remarkable. They began from scratch in 2001, reaching the semi-finals of the 2006 Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Trophy, becoming joint winners of the first ACC Twenty20 Cup in 2007, and qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011. Their first ODI was against Pakistan in 2012, and they were promoted to Associate membership in 2013. A significant milestone was reached in 2015 when they recorded their first World Cup victory against Scotland. With Full Member status granted in 2017, Afghanistan is set to return to Test cricket in 2026, marking yet another achievement.

Experienced Leadership

With Rashid Khan and Ibrahim Zadran absent, Afghanistan will be captained by Hashmatullah Shahidi. The squad features players like Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafudin Ashraf, Nangyal Kharotai, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi, and Saleem Safi. Atal and Omarzai, both with only one Test appearance, are making a return, while Kharoti, Sami, and Zadran are receiving their first call-ups.

In the recent Test against Zimbabwe, Rahmat Shah achieved an unbeaten 231, setting a record for the highest individual score by an Afghan in Test cricket, surpassing Shahidi’s previous record of 200 against the same team in 2021. Shahidi, 31, is the most seasoned player in the squad, possessing extensive experience on Indian pitches and holding the title of Afghanistan’s leading Test run-scorer. Wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who has played 19 IPL matches, will also play a vital role. Omarzai, familiar with the Mullanpur ground from his time with Punjab Kings, is entering his second Test with valuable local insights. Qais Ahmad, returning after last playing in 2024, will enhance the bowling lineup.

While India is favored to win against Afghanistan, this Test will not contribute to their World Test Championship (WTC) standings, as it is not part of the current cycle. The ICC's WTC currently includes only nine nations: Australia, India, England, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and West Indies.