The semi-finalists from the previous edition in 2024 have unveiled a strong lineup for the upcoming marquee tournament.
Rashid Khan will lead the command of the Afghanistan side in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
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The Afghanistan Cricket Board unveiled their 15-member squad for the marquee tournament, which will also feature in the T20I series against West Indies, starting January 19, 2026.
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. Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai and Ziaur Rahman Sharifi.
Bolstering the squad with their comeback is veteran all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and pacer Naveen-ul-Haq, who is returning from a shoulder injury.
Meanwhile, Fazalhaq Farooqi, who missed the recent series against Bangladesh, also adds to Afghanistan’s pace-bowling resources.
Another notable swap sees Mujeeb Ur Rahman replace AM Ghazanfar in the squad, with the latter named among the reserves for the tournament.
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“Gulbadin Naib is a big-match player, and his return boosts our team,” ACB Chief Selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil said.
“We are also pleased to have Naveen Ul Haq back, which enhances the quality of our fast bowling.
“It was a tough decision to leave AM Ghazanfar out of the main squad, as his place made way for Mujeeb.”
Afghanistan are placed in Group D of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 alongside New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and UAE.
The Rashid Khan-led side will kickstart their campaign against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai.
Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup group fixtures:
v New Zealand: February 8, Chennai
v South Africa: February 11, Ahmedabad
v UAE: February 16, Delhi
v Canada: February 19, Chennai
