The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, confirming Rashid Khan as captain for the global tournament set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The announcement highlights Afghanistan’s growing confidence as they prepare to challenge the world’s top teams on the biggest stage of T20 cricket.
Rashid Khan, widely regarded as one of the finest T20 bowlers in modern cricket, will once again shoulder leadership responsibilities. His experience in international leagues and major ICC events is expected to play a crucial role as Afghanistan aim to build on their recent strong performances in white-ball cricket.
The selected squad blends youth with experience, reflecting Afghanistan’s long-term strategy of developing multi-dimensional cricketers capable of adapting to subcontinent conditions. Several players from the squad will also feature in Afghanistan’s upcoming T20I series against the West Indies, beginning on January 19, 2026, providing valuable match practice ahead of the World Cup.
Explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz and technically sound opener Ibrahim Zadran are expected to anchor the batting unit, while Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib add valuable all-round depth. In the bowling department, Afghanistan boast a formidable spin attack led by Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad, supported by a pace unit featuring Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq.
Young talents such as Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, and Abdullah Ahmadzai underline Afghanistan’s focus on nurturing future stars, while experienced campaigners like Azmatullah Omarzai and Shahidullah Kamal strengthen the middle order and bowling balance.
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Afghanistan Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Rashid Khan (Captain), Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran.
Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Zia-ur-Rahman Sharifi.
Groups for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Afghanistan have been placed in Group D, alongside strong contenders New Zealand and South Africa, as well as Canada and the UAE. The group promises competitive fixtures, with Afghanistan looking to make an early impact.
The Rashid Khan-led side will begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai, a match that is expected to test Afghanistan’s readiness against elite opposition.
With a balanced squad, proven match-winners, and increasing confidence in global tournaments, Afghanistan enter the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 aiming not just to compete, but to emerge as serious contenders.
Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup group fixtures:
v New Zealand: February 8, Chennai
v South Africa: February 11, Ahmedabad
v UAE: February 16, Delhi
v Canada: February 19, Chennai
Read More: Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
