Afghanistan announced their t20 world cup squad-Afghanistan have officially unveiled their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sending a strong message to the cricketing world about their ambitions on the global stage. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed that star leg-spinner Rashid Khan will continue as captain, while top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran has been appointed vice-captain. The announcement marks a crucial step in Afghanistan’s preparation as they look to build on their historic run in the previous edition of the tournament.
The headline selection news is the return of experienced all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq, reinforcing the narrative that Afghanistan announced their T20 World Cup squad bringing back Naib and Naveen to strengthen both leadership depth and bowling firepower. Their inclusion, along with the return of left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi, signals a well-balanced squad built for Asian conditions.
Rashid Khan to Lead, Ibrahim Zadran Named Vice-Captain
Rashid Khan remains the heartbeat of Afghanistan’s T20 setup. One of the most sought-after players in franchise cricket worldwide, Rashid’s leadership, experience, and match-winning ability with the ball make him the natural choice to captain the side. His calm approach under pressure was instrumental during Afghanistan’s remarkable campaign in the last T20 World Cup.
Ibrahim Zadran’s elevation to vice-captain reflects the team management’s faith in the young batter, who has been one of Afghanistan’s most consistent performers in recent years. Zadran’s composure at the top of the order and his ability to anchor innings will be vital against high-quality bowling attacks in the tournament.
Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi Make Strong Comebacks
One of the most discussed aspects of the squad announcement is the return of Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi, both of whom were omitted from Afghanistan’s recent tour of Bangladesh. Naib, a former captain, brings invaluable experience, leadership, and versatility as a seam-bowling all-rounder.
Farooqi’s return strengthens Afghanistan’s pace attack, particularly in the powerplay overs. His ability to swing the new ball and execute yorkers at the death adds balance to a bowling unit that already boasts world-class spin options.
Naveen-ul-Haq Declared Fully Fit
Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been declared fully fit and available for selection after recovering from an injury that sidelined him during the Asia Cup. His return is a significant boost for Afghanistan, especially considering his recent performances in T20 leagues around the world.
Naveen’s variations, control in the middle overs, and experience in pressure situations make him a key asset as Afghanistan prepare for challenging encounters against top-ranked teams.
Mujeeb ur Rahman Preferred, Allah Ghazanfar Named Reserve
Off-spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman has retained his place in the main squad, underlining the team management’s preference for experience at the highest level. As a result, young mystery spinner Allah Ghazanfar has been named among the reserve players.
Ghazanfar is joined in the reserves by Ejaz Ahmadzai and Zia-ur-Rehman Sharifi, ensuring that Afghanistan have capable backups should injuries or form concerns arise during the tournament.
Reserve Players Table
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Allah Ghazanfar | Mystery Spinner |
| Ejaz Ahmadzai | All-rounder |
| Zia-ur-Rehman Sharifi | Middle-order Batter |
Afghanistan’s Full Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
The final squad reflects a careful blend of experience, youth, spin dominance, and improving pace resources.
Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Rashid Khan (C) | Leg-spinner / All-rounder |
| Ibrahim Zadran (VC) | Top-order Batter |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Hazratullah Zazai | Opening Batter |
| Najibullah Zadran | Middle-order Batter |
| Mohammad Nabi | All-rounder |
| Gulbadin Naib | All-rounder |
| Mujeeb ur Rahman | Off-spinner |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Fast Bowler |
| Naveen-ul-Haq | Fast Bowler |
| Noor Ahmad | Left-arm Spinner |
| Karim Janat | Seam-bowling All-rounder |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | Fast-bowling All-rounder |
| Ikram Alikhil | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Qais Ahmad | Leg-spinner |
West Indies Series to Shape Final Team Combination
Before the World Cup begins, Afghanistan will face West Indies in a three-match T20 series in the UAE from January 19 to January 22. This series is expected to play a crucial role in finalising the playing XI and refining team combinations.
According to ACB CEO Naseeb Khan, the upcoming series will help the coaching staff assess player roles and adaptability under match pressure. He stated that Afghanistan’s performance in the previous World Cup has raised expectations, particularly in Asian conditions where spin is expected to dominate.
Afghanistan vs West Indies T20 Series Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| January 19 | 1st T20I | UAE |
| January 21 | 2nd T20I | UAE |
| January 22 | 3rd T20I | UAE |
Confidence High After Historic T20 World Cup 2024 Run
Afghanistan enter the 2026 tournament with immense confidence after reaching the semi-finals of the previous T20 World Cup-a first in the nation’s cricketing history. During that campaign, Afghanistan stunned the cricketing world by defeating traditional powerhouses such as New Zealand, West Indies, Australia, and Bangladesh.
Those victories were not isolated upsets but a reflection of Afghanistan’s growth as a competitive T20 unit capable of consistently challenging elite teams on the biggest stage.
Group D Placement and Opening Match Details
Afghanistan have been placed in Group D for the T20 World Cup 2026, alongside New Zealand, South Africa, UAE, and Canada. The group promises intense competition, with every match expected to be crucial for qualification.
Afghanistan will begin their campaign on February 8 with a high-profile clash against New Zealand in Chennai. The venue’s spin-friendly conditions could play to Afghanistan’s strengths, particularly with Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mujeeb ur Rahman forming a formidable spin trio.
Group D Teams
| Group D Teams |
|---|
| Afghanistan |
| New Zealand |
| South Africa |
| UAE |
| Canada |
Read also: Mumbai Indians Appoint Kristen Beams as Spin Bowling Coach Ahead of WPL 2026
A Squad Built for Global Impact-Afghanistan announced their t20 world cup squad
The announcement confirms that Afghanistan announced their T20 World Cup squad bringing back Naib and Naveen with a clear vision: experience blended with emerging talent, a strong spin core supported by improving fast bowling, and leadership stability under Rashid Khan.
As the cricketing world looks ahead to the T20 World Cup 2026, Afghanistan are no longer seen as underdogs. Instead, they are emerging as a serious contender capable of repeating-and possibly surpassing-their historic achievements from the previous edition.
With a challenging group, crucial warm-up series, and renewed squad depth, Afghanistan’s journey in the 2026 T20 World Cup promises to be one of the most closely watched stories in international cricket.
