Afghanistan Announces 15-Member Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially unveiled its 15-player squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. The team is anchored by one of the world’s most talented spinners, Rashid Khan, who will captain the side as they seek to build on their historic semi-final run from the 2024 edition.

Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad

Afghanistan’s squad for the prestigious tournament includes a balanced mix of experienced performers, match-winners, young talents and returning stars ready to compete on the global stage:

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 and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.

Key Highlights & Strategic Insights

⭐ Captain & Leadership

Rashid Khan continues to lead Afghanistan with his tactical nous and world-class spin bowling ability. Under his leadership, Afghanistan reached their first-ever T20 World Cup semi-final in 2024, upsetting several higher-ranked teams along the way.

Rashid’s experience and composure will be vital for Afghanistan in navigating challenging group matches, especially in Asian conditions where spin plays a significant role.

Strengths of the Squad

🎯 Experienced Core Players

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran anchor the top order with aggressive batting and international exposure
Mohammad Nabi, a veteran all-rounder, adds balance with both bat and useful spin bowling, especially in middle overs.
Gulbadin Naib returns as a seasoned game-changer capable of impactful cameos and crucial breakthroughs.

💨 Bowling Firepower

Afghanistan has assembled a strong bowling lineup:

Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen Ul Haq enhance the fast-bowling attack with pace, bounce and variations. Naveen returns from a shoulder injury, boosting the team’s speed resources.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman continues to be one of the most economical and deceptively quick spinners in T20 cricket — crucial in subcontinental conditions.
Noor Ahmad and Sediqullah Atal offer spin variety to trouble opposing batsmen on turning tracks.

Young Talent & Depth

Abdullah Ahmadzai, Darwish Rasooli and Shahidullah Kamal represent the new generation of Afghan cricketers — promising players who can make significant contributions with bat and ball.
Azmatullah Omarzai has emerged as a dynamic all-round option, useful in tight T20 scenarios.

📊 Group Stage & Challenges Ahead

Afghanistan has been placed in Group D for the T20 World Cup 2026, sharing the group with:

New Zealand
South Africa
Canada
United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Their campaign begins against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai — a crucial early test against an experienced and balanced opposition.

Group D is projected to be highly competitive, with South Africa’s pace battery and New Zealand’s all-round balance posing strong threats. Afghanistan will need smart cricket, disciplined bowling and big contributions from its batting core to secure a spot in the Super Eight stage.

📌 Preparation & Momentum

Ahead of the World Cup, Afghanistan will play a three-match T20I series against the West Indies in the UAE from January 19 to 22, 2026, using the same squad. This series is designed as a final preparation phase to fine-tune combinations and build match readiness in conditions similar to the tournament venues.

🧠 Technical & Tactical Outlook

🟢 Batting Balance

Afghanistan’s batting lineup blends power hitters like Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran with stabilizers like Nabi and Shahidullah Kamal. Their ability to accelerate in the death overs and rotate strike against spin will be crucial on slow wickets.

🟣 Bowling Strength

With a combination of pace and wrist spin, Afghanistan’s bowling attack offers versatility. Rashid Khan will lead with spin, while Mujeeb, Farooqi and Naveen provide wicket-taking options across different phases of the game.

🌍 Historical Perspective

Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket has been rapid and impressive. From earning T20I status to becoming a consistent contender in global events, the team has defied expectations and showcased world-class talent, especially in the shortest format. Their semi-final appearance in 2024 remains a historic achievement that inspires confidence ahead of the 2026 tournament.

Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad is a blend of experience, skill and promising youth. Led by Rashid Khan and supported by proven performers like Nabi, Gulbadin and Mujeeb, the team aims to build another memorable campaign. With rigorous preparation through the West Indies series and a well-balanced roster, Afghanistan will look to make a strong impression in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.