The 2024 T20 World Cup Afghanistan semi-finalists are set to make a big announcement ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. If reports are to be believed, former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik will be appointed as the mentor for their flagship tournament.

In what will be a big call for the cricket board, it was reported on Monday, February 2, that the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is ready to appoint Dinesh Karthik as the mentor for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Dinesh Karthik to join Afghanistan cricket team for 2026 T20 World Cup

Since the rise of Afghanistan cricket team, they have developed into one of the most surprising teams in T20 internationals. In the upcoming T20 World Cup, they can also be called the dark horses in the title race. Karthik will be very useful to the team with all his experience in this particular format.

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Dinesh Karthik will be appointed as the mentor of Afghanistan team for T20I WC 2026. pic.twitter.com/vCNmNL85GA

— ACB Xtra (@acb_190) February 2, 2026

Last year, Dinesh Karthik had one of his most cherished moments as a coach and former cricketer as a member of the coaching staff. He helped Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) win the Indian Premier League title for the first time. Karthik is RCB’s batting coach and mentor for the IPL 2025 season. The title win proved that the former cricketer is one of the best suited for the role in the industry. He is also expected to join the Afghanistan cricket team as a mentor.

ACB also announced the appointment of new faces

Earlier this year, the Afghanistan Cricket Board announced the appointments of Toby Redford and Robert Amon. Redford was named the national team’s hitting coach, while Amon served as the strength and conditioning coach. Katic will join Redford and Amon under the watchful eye of head coach, former England cricketer Jonathan Trott.

Afghanistan are placed in Group D and will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 journey on February 8 after several warm-up matches. They are in a competitive group and will face New Zealand, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Canada respectively. According to the rules, two teams from each group will advance to the next round, the quarterfinals.

Afghanistan cricket team faces tough challenges

If Afghanistan want to be in the title race then they have to beat either New Zealand or South Africa. On paper, New Zealand and South Africa are the favorites in Group D. Rashid Khan and his players are preparing for the upcoming matches.

Afghanistan T20 World Cup Group Stage:

v New Zealand: February 8, Chennai

v South Africa: February 11, Ahmedabad

vs. UAE: February 16, Delhi

v. Canada: February 19, Chennai

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