Afghanistan will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign by playing a match against the "Black Caps" on February 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. They are placed in Group D along with teams such as Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates
Ibrahim Zadran (Pic: X/@ICC)
Ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, Afghanistan has announced their 15-member squad for the marquee event. Star pacer Naveen-ul-Haq and Gulbadin Naib have returned to the squad. Earlier, Naveen had sustained a shoulder injury, which kept him out of action in international cricket. He last made his international appearance in December 2024.
Meanwhile, Naib was left out of Afghanistan's white-ball tour of Bangladesh in October, and the experienced left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi has also been included in the squad.
Star spinner Rashid Khan will lead Afghanistan's pack in the mega event, scheduled to be played in India and Sri Lanka. Opening batsman Ibrahim Zadran has been named as Rashid's deputy.
Meanwhile, Naib was left out of Afghanistan's white-ball tour of Bangladesh in October, as was the experienced left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who has also been included in the squad.
"We had good discussions over the past few days and finalized the squad. Gulbadin Naib is a big-match player, and his return boosts our team. We are also pleased to have Naveen Ul Haq back, which enhances the quality of our fast bowling," chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil said.
The squad also consists of the likes of spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman. His inclusion led to AM Ghazanfar being named as a reserve.
In the previous edition of the T20 World Cup, the Afghans had managed to reach the semi-final of the tournament. In the upcoming edition of the global showpiece, the Rashid Khan-led team has been placed in Group D along with teams such as Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
Afghanistan will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign by playing a match against the "Black Caps" on February 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The same squad will also play a three-match T20I series against the West Indies in the UAE ahead of the World Cup, starting January 19.
"Afghanistan had a terrific run in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup. We cherish excellent memories from the past, and hope for even better results this year, which will be played in Asian conditions," Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO Naseeb Khan said.
"Hosting the West Indies team provides us with an incredible opportunity to fine-tune our combination, and prepare adequately for the World Cup," he added.
Afghanistan's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026: Rashid Khan (Captain), Ibrahim Zadran (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Mohammad Ishaq (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, 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 Rahman Sharifi.
(With PTI Inputs)
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