Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announces upcoming 15-man squad T20 World Cupscheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Star leg-twirling competition Rashid Khan Will lead a balanced team that blends experienced campaigners with emerging talent.

Afghanistan are in Group D along with New Zealand, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Canada. Their campaign begins with a high-profile opener against New Zealand in Chennai on February 8, where they are expected to assist Afghanistan’s famous spin attack.

Experienced Core Main Force Afghanistan Campaign

The team has a deep and solid roster of quality players. Dynamic openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Ishaq will share the wicketkeeping duties, while Ibrahim Zadran has been named vice-captain. The middle order is anchored by experienced all-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai, providing stability and flexibility.

Afghanistan’s bowling attack remains spin-dominated, with Rashid, left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmed and enigmatic off-spinner Mujib-ur-Rehman also included. The pace department is led by Fazalhaq Farooqi, providing variety in swing and seams.

Gulbadin Naib returns as a contestant

One of the most talked about selections is veteran all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, who returns to the T20I squad after limited appearances in recent times. Afghanistan’s chief elector, Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, described Naboo as “Big Game Player” Reputation earned through years of clutch performance.

Naib accumulated 986 wickets at a strike rate of 121.57 and took 35 wickets in 78 T20Is. His clinical finishing ability was on display in the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-finals, where he made an unbeaten 15 off 9 balls against South Africa and played a decisive role in Afghanistan’s historic run.

Naveen-ul-Haq strengthens seam attack

fast bowler Navin Haq He also returned in time after recovering from his shoulder injury. At just 26 years old, Naveen has already amassed an impressive T20I record with 67 wickets at an average of 18.73 and an economy rate of 7.78.

His experience in franchise leagues including IPL and CPL adds significant value. Naveen’s change is expected to complement Farooqi’s left-arm speed, giving Afghanistan greater flexibility on the flat Indian surfaces.

Abdullah Ahmedzai selected for first World Cup

Young pacer Abdullah Ahmedzai has earned his maiden World Cup call-up, while left-hand batsman Shahidullah Kamal has retained his place to provide balance in the middle order. Despite his impressive performances, Spina AM Ghazzanfar was included in the reserve squad along with Ijaz Ahmedzai and Zia-ur-Rehman Sharifi.

Afghanistan will prepare with a T20I series against West Indies in the UAE from January 19 to 22.

Also read: England announce provisional squad for 2026 T20 World Cup, no place for Jamie Smith

Afghanistan squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:

Rashid Khan (captain), Abdullah Ahmedzai, Seedikulla Attar, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Rehmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mohammad Ishaq, Shah Sidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujibur Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasouli, Ibrahim Zadran, Noor Ahmed

Substitutes: Alaa Gazanfar, Ijaz Ahmedzai, Zia-ur-Rehman Sharifi.

Also read: India announces 2026 T20 World Cup squad