Rashid Khan to lead as Afghanistan name squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

Afghanistan Cricket Board's National Selection Committee has named a 15-member squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Rashid Khan will lead the team at the marquee event.

Ibrahim Zadran has been named vice-captain of the side and would lead Afghanistan's charge at the top of the order in the signature tournament. The return of Gulbadin Naib and Naveen Ul Haq has also bolstered the squad. Naveen was recuperating from a shoulder injury.

19-year-old spinner Allah Ghazanfar, who has impressed in the limited opportunities he has received for Afghanistan, has been placed in the reserves as Mujeeb Ur Rahman pipped him for a spot in the main squad.

ACB chief selector, Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, admitted that leaving Ghazanfar was a "tough decision," but he had to make way for Mujeeb, who is far more experienced.

“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.”

“It was a tough decision to leave AM Ghazanfar out of the main squad, as his place made way for Mujeeb. Shahidullah Kamal performed well in the recent event and provides us with a valuable left-handed option, which is crucial in major tournaments.”

Afghanistan to take on West Indies in prep for T20 World Cup

Afghanistan are slated to take on the Windies in a three-match T20I series to boost their preparation for the T20 World Cup. The series will be played in the UAE, starting January 19. Afghanistan have named the same squad for the bilateral contest.

Afghanistan's squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and West Indies series:

Rashid Khan (C), 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.