Hong Kong, 19 October 2026: Afghanistan have named experienced all-rounder Gulbadin Naib as captain of their seven-member squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026.
The six-a-side tournament runs from 30 October to 1 November at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. Afghanistan are in Group D with the Proteas and Oman.
The squad
- Gulbadin Naib (captain)
- Farmanullah Safi
- Imran Mir
- Abdul Rahman
- Karim Janat
- Nangeyalia Kharote
- Sediqullah Pacha
Built for the format
The squad mixes international experience with players suited to the fast-scoring format. In the Hong Kong Sixes, each side has six players on the field and bats for six overs, so quick runs, tight bowling and sharp fielding count for a lot.
Naib has played international cricket for Afghanistan and leads a side known for its aggressive batting. Karim Janat is also an Afghanistan international all-rounder, and the squad will look to bring the same attacking approach to the shorter game.
Organisers welcome Afghanistan
Anuraag Bhatnagar, Director of Commercial and Marketing at Cricket Hong Kong, China, said Afghanistan would add to the event.
“Afghanistan have consistently brought tremendous energy and competitive spirit to the game, and we are delighted to welcome their squad to the Hong Kong Sixes 2026,” he said. “The tournament celebrates the excitement, entertainment and fast-paced nature of cricket, and Afghanistan’s attacking style promises to add to the spectacle. We look forward to welcoming the team and giving fans an unforgettable cricketing experience.”
Indian interest
India are also in the tournament, and the 2026 edition is the first with Indian company JSW Sports as Commercial Partner. It is JSW Sports’ first partnership with an international sporting property.
The squads named so far include Bangladesh, who are captained by Abu Hider Rony and face Sri Lanka and Scotland in Pool B, and defending champions Pakistan, setting up an India-Pakistan meeting.
Viewers in India can watch the tournament live on the Sony Sports Network, with streaming on FanCode.
How the Sixes works
Teams play six-over innings with six players a side. The format has become known for big hitting, inventive bowling and non-stop action, and the 2026 edition brings together teams from across the cricketing world over three days.
Read about Bangladesh’s squad for the Hong Kong Sixes.