Rashid Khan to lead Afghanistan squad in T20 World Cup 2026

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Wednesday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, with Rashid Khan set to captain the side. The same squad will also feature in the T20I series against West Indies starting January 19, 2026.

The squad sees the return of experienced all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq , who is back from a shoulder injury. Fazalhaq Farooqi strengthens the pace attack, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman replaces AM Ghazanfar, who has been named a reserve.

“Gulbadin is a big-match player and his comeback strengthens our team. Naveen’s return boosts our fast-bowling options. It was a tough call to leave AM Ghazanfar out, but Mujeeb earns his spot,” said ACB Chief Selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil .

Afghanistan, who reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, are placed in Group D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, and the UAE. The team will kick off their campaign against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai .

Afghanistan Squad:

Rashid Khan (C), 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, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi.