Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Dubai – Afghanistan has officially disclosed its 15-member team for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Captain Rashid Khan will lead the side, accompanied by key returnees like all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and fast bowler Naveen Ul Haq.
Naveen Ul Haq rejoins the roster after recovering from a shoulder injury, bolstering Afghanistan’s bowling line-up. The team retains left-handed batsman Shahidullah Kamal and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Ishaq, both of whom have been crucial contributors.
Promising young fast bowler Abdullah Ahmadzai has secured a place in the squad, marking the team's commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Fazal Haq Farooqi, who has seen limited action recently, is also included ahead of the West Indies series and the tournament.
With Mujeeb Ur Rahman rejoining the squad, AM Ghazanfar moves to the reserves. He is joined by middle-order batter Ijaz Ahmadzai and the talented fast bowler Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
To gear up for the World Cup, Afghanistan will face the West Indies in a three-match T20I series, slated for January 19 to 22 in the UAE, using the same team.
During the 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan achieved a historic milestone by reaching their first semi-final, where they were ultimately defeated by South Africa. The team aims to leverage this success moving forward.
ACB CEO Naseeb Khan commented, “Afghan Atalan had a robust showing in the last T20 World Cup. Hosting the West Indies ahead of the tournament is a fantastic opportunity to refine our squad in preparation for conditions in Asia.”
ACB Chief Selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil mentioned, “Choosing the squad was no easy task. Gulbadin Naib’s inclusion offers a significant boost, and Naveen Ul Haq's return enhances our pace capabilities. It was tough to leave AM Ghazanfar out, but essential for Mujeeb to be back. Shahidullah Kamal’s form and left-handed batting provide crucial balance to the lineup.”
Afghanistan will compete in Pool D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada, kicking off their campaign against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai.
Afghanistan’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Squad:
Rashid Khan (c), Ibrahim Zadran (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen Ul Haq, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai.
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