Afghanistan have confirmed Rashid Khan as captain for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, reinforcing continuity as the team prepares for the global tournament to be staged across India and Sri Lanka early next year.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has finalised a 15-member squad that will also be used for a preparatory three-match T20 International series against the West Indies, scheduled to begin on January 19 in the UAE. The selection reflects a balance between established performers and emerging options suited to Asian conditions.
Experience Returns to Strengthen Squad
Afghanistan’s plans receive a lift with the return of seasoned all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq, who is available again following recovery from a shoulder concern. Their inclusion adds depth to both the batting order and the pace attack.
Left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi is also back in the mix after missing recent international fixtures, while mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman earns a recall, providing Afghanistan with additional variety in the spin department.
Afghanistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Ibrahim Zadran (VC), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal |
| Wicketkeepers | Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Ishaq |
| All-rounders | Rashid Khan (C), Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai |
| Bowlers | Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai |
Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi
Group Placement and Tournament Path
Afghanistan have been drawn into Group D of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, alongside New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the United Arab Emirates. The group presents a demanding route, requiring consistent performances across varied venues.
Afghanistan Group Stage Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| February 8, 2026 | Afghanistan vs New Zealand | Chennai |
| February 11, 2026 | Afghanistan vs South Africa | Ahmedabad |
| February 16, 2026 | Afghanistan vs UAE | Delhi |
| February 19, 2026 | Afghanistan vs Canada | Chennai |
West Indies T20I Series Ahead of World Cup
Prior to the World Cup, Afghanistan will face the West Indies in a short T20I series designed to fine-tune combinations and assess match readiness under competitive conditions.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| January 19, 2026 | 1st T20I | UAE |
| January 21, 2026 | 2nd T20I | UAE |
| January 22, 2026 | 3rd T20I | UAE |
Focus on Consistency
With Rashid Khan continuing in the leadership role, Afghanistan will look to build on recent progress in global tournaments. The selected squad underlines a preference for versatility, depth in spin bowling, and adaptability across conditions — factors expected to be central to their campaign in 2026.
