Afghanistan announced 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2026: The Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced the 15-member Afghan team for the T20 World Cup 2026. Gulbadin Naib and right-arm fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq have returned to the team announced under the leadership of charismatic leg spinner Rashid Khan. Ibrahim Zadran will be the vice-captain of the team. The same team will also play a series of 3 T20 matches against West Indies to be held in UAE.
Left-handed middle-order batsman Shahidullah Kamal and wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Ishaq have managed to retain their places in the Afghanistan team. Young fast bowler Abdullah Ahmadzai has made a place in the team. Fazal Haq Farooqui, who was out of the Bangladesh series and played his last T20 match against Zimbabwe, is also in the team. Mujeeb ur Rahman is also in the team.
What did CEO Naseeb Khan say?
Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO Naseeb Khan said, ‘The performance of the Afghan team in the last edition of the T20 World Cup was very good. We cherish the past wonderful memories and look forward to even better results this year, which will be played in Asian conditions. Hosting the West Indies team will give us a great opportunity to improve the balance in our team and prepare properly for the World Cup.”
What did chief selector Ahmed Shah say?
Chief selector Ahmed Shah Suleimankhil said, ‘Gulbadin Naib is a big-match player, and his return will strengthen our team. We are also happy to have Naveen Ul Haq back, which will improve our fast bowling. The decision to keep AM Ghazanfar out of the main team was difficult. We have taken Mujeeb in his place. Shahidullah Kamal performed well in the recent event and gave us a valuable left-arm option, which is much needed in big tournaments.”
Also read: Oman’s 15-member team announced for T20 World Cup, Jatinder Singh gets command
Afghanistan’s schedule for West Indies and World Cup
Before the World Cup, Afghanistan will play a three-match T20 series against West Indies in UAE on January 19, 21, and 22. The World Cup is starting from 7th March. Afghanistan has been placed in Group D along with New Zealand, South Africa, UAE and Canada. Afghanistan will play its first match against New Zealand on 8 February in Chennai.
Afghanistan team for T20 World Cup 2026
Rashid Khan (captain), Ibrahim Zadran (vice-captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Ishaq (wicketkeeper), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Umarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmed, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Naveen Ul Haq, Fazal Haq Farooqui, Abdullah Ahmedzai. reserve player– AM Ghazanfar, Ajaz Ahmadzai and Zia ur Rehman Sharifi.
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