Zadran was previously the vice-captain of the T20I team and will now replace Rashid as the selectors make major changes to the squad following the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, in which Afghanistan were eliminated in the league stage of the competition.
“Rashid Khan’s tenure as T20I captain has brought a lot of success to the team, especially the team’s amazing journey in the 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup, where we reached the semi-finals.
“In line with ACB’s long-term strategic vision and following recent changes in our team management, including the appointment of a new head coach, we have taken the conscious decision to transition leadership within the T20I setup.”
“Ibrahim Zadran, who has served as Rashid Khan’s deputy, will take over the role of Afghanistan’s regular captain in this format. We sincerely thank Rashid Khan for his valuable contribution and wish Ibrahim Zadran every success in this important new role,” Chief Selector Ahmed Shah Suleimankhil said in a statement.
Left-arm fast bowler Fazal Haq Farooqui, all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Ishaq, who were all part of the Men’s T20 World Cup squad, have been left out of both the T20I and ODI squads for the series against Sri Lanka, which is also the first assignment for newly appointed head coach Richard Pybus.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Noor Rahman, left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Sharafuddin Ashraf and left-arm fast bowler Farid Ahmed have got a place in the T20I squad, while Farid Ahmed Malik has returned to the ODI squad and fast bowler Zia ur Rehman Sharifi has got his first ODI selection.
Bilal Sami, who took five wickets in his recent ODI match and won the Player of the Match award, has retained his name. He has been included in the 50-over squad and has also been added to the T20I reserve pool.
Nangyal Kharoti and Ijaz Ahmedzai will join Shami in the T20I reserves, while Bashir Ahmed, Mohammad Saleem Safi and Qais Ahmed have been named in the ODI reserve pool.
“Additionally, our long-term goal is to prepare the team well for the upcoming two World Cup events. “We are hopeful that under this new leadership, the national team will not only move forward but also deliver stellar performances and build a strong and competitive bench strength for the tough challenges ahead,” Sulimankhil said.
The ACB also said that it is closely monitoring the ongoing situation in the Gulf region, especially due to the closure of airspace due to the Israel-Iran conflict, and added that they are in talks with all stakeholders about whether the series can go ahead as per the previously scheduled dates, both in terms of dates and venue.
The three T20I matches between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on March 13, 15 and 17, while the ODI matches will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 20, 22 and 25.
“Although a final decision will be made in a matter of days, the ACB’s initial approach, in collaboration with the ECB and venue authorities, is to proceed as per the previously agreed dates. “If circumstances require a change, the ACB will consider exploring other options for both the host country and the event schedule,” he added.
Afghanistan T20I squad: Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Noor Rahman (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasouli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Umarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Zia Ur Rehman Sharifi, Farid Ahmed Malik and Abdullah Ahmadzai
Reserves: Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami and Ajaz Ahmedzai.
Afghanistan ODI squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasouli, Azmatullah Umarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharouti, A.M. Ghazanfar, Zia ur Rehman Sharifi, Farid Ahmed Malik and Bilal Sami.
Comments are closed.