Afghanistan has announced its T20 World Cup squad. Afghanistan has appointed Rashid Khan as the captain of the team. All-rounder Gulbadin Naib and fast bowler Naveen Ul Haq have also returned to the team after 1 year, having recovered from shoulder injuries. Naveen played his last T20I match in December 2024 against Zimbabwe in Harare.

Afghanistan selected a strong squad for the T20 World Cup 2026

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has selected its squad for the T20 World Cup as well as the T20I series against the West Indies. The same team that participated in the World Cup will face the West Indies. Before the T20 World Cup, the Afghan team will play a three-match T20I series against the West Indies, which will be hosted by Afghanistan in the UAE from January 19th to 22nd.

Shahid Ullah Kamal and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Ishaq have retained their places in the squad. Young fast bowler Abdullah Ahmadzai has also been included in the team. Fazal Haq Farooqui has also found a place in the 15-member squad. Mujeeb ur Rahman is a notable player in the squad, which has led to AM Ghazanfar being included in the reserve pool along with Ejaz Ahmadzai and promising young fast bowler Zia ur Rahman Sharifi.

It is worth noting that the Afghanistan team has been placed in Pool D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Afghan team will play their first match against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai.

Afghanistan squad for West Indies series and T20 World Cup 2026:

Rashid Khan (captain), Ibrahim Zadran (vice-captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Ishaq (wicketkeeper), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Umarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Naveen ul Haq, Fazal Haq Farooqi and Abdullah Ahmadzai.

Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia ur Rehman Sharifi.