Afghanistan Announce Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Overview

Afghanistan has unveiled its 15 member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, including the return of all rounder Gulbadin Naib and fast bowler Naveen Ul Haq. The team will play a warm up T20 series vs West Indies before the World Cup.

Afghanistan announces its 15 member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 under captain Rashid Khan.
Image Source: Instagram/@icc —Edited & Modified by Us

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially revealed its squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The national selectors have also confirmed that Afghanistan will play a three-match T20 series against the West Indies as part of pre World Cup preparations.

Afghanistan Preparations Ahead of the T20 World Cup

Warm Up Series vs West Indies

Before heading into the World Cup, Afghanistan will face the West Indies in a three match T20 International series. All matches will be hosted in the United Arab Emirates from January 19 to January 22, 2026.

This series will help the team fine tune plans and strategies ahead of the main tournament.

Leadership and Experience

Rashid Khan will captain the side throughout the series and into the World Cup. His leadership and match winning abilities remain central to Afghanistan campaign.

Notable Returns in the Squad

Gulbadin Naib Makes a Comeback

Experienced all rounder Gulbadin Naib has been included in the squad after being absent from recent selections. His return adds balance and depth to both batting and bowling.

Naveen Ul Haq Returns to the Fold

Fast bowler Naveen Ul Haq is back in the national setup. Known for his pace and accuracy, he strengthens Afghanistan bowling attack.

Afghanistan World Cup Journey

Afghanistan has been placed in Pool D for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Their first match in the tournament will be against New Zealand on February 8, 2026, in Chennai, India.

Group D teams

• Afghanistan
• Canada
• New Zealand
• United Arab Emirates
• South Africa

This fixture will be crucial as Afghanistan aims to progress from the group stage and make a strong impact on the global stage.

Full Squad List

Here is Afghanistan 15 member squad announced for the West Indies series and T20 World Cup:

• Rashid Khan (Captain)
• Ibrahim Zadran (Vice Captain)
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz
• Mohammad Ishaq
• Sadiqullah Atal
• Darwish Rasooli
• Shahidullah Kamal
• Azmatullah Omarzai
• Gulbadin Naib
• Mohammad Nabi
• Noor Ahmad
• Mujeeb Ur Rahman
• Naveen Ul Haq
• Fazl Hak Farooqi
• Abdullah Zazai

Standby Players

These players have been named as reserves:

• A M Ghazanfar
• Ijaz Ahmad Zazai
• Zia ur Rehman Sharifi

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