Afghanistan Announce Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Rashid Khan to Captain

Afghanistan have announced their 15-player lineup for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, bringing back experienced campaigners while maintaining the spin-heavy core that took them to the semifinals last year. Leg-spinner Rashid Khan leads Afghanistan’s T20 squad into the tournament scheduled across India and Sri Lanka from February to March 2026.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board revealed their squad on December 31, with several interesting selections that balance experience and form. This same group will feature in the T20I series against West Indies starting January 19, providing crucial preparation before the T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off.

Key Squad Changes and Comebacks

The biggest talking point revolves around the return of all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq, who is recovering from a shoulder injury. Both players bring vital experience to pressure situations, having performed in countless high-stakes matches across franchise leagues worldwide.

Fazalhaq Farooqi also makes his way back after missing the recent Bangladesh series, strengthening Afghanistan’s pace attack. The left-armer’s ability to swing the new ball and deliver yorkers at the death makes him indispensable in subcontinental conditions.

Perhaps the most surprising decision sees Mujeeb Ur Rahman replacing AM Ghazanfar in the main squad. The young mystery spinner, who impressed recently, has been named in the reserves alongside Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia-ur-Rahman Sharifi.

ACB Chief Selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil addressed the selection calls: “Gulbadin Naib is a big-match player, and his return boosts our team. We are also pleased to have Naveen-ul-Haq back, which enhances the quality of our fast bowling. It was a tough decision to leave AM Ghazanfar out of the main squad, as his place made way for Mujeeb.”

Complete Afghanistan Squad Breakdown

Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Zia-ur-Rahman Sharifi

Why This Squad Makes Afghanistan Dangerous

Afghanistan enter the tournament with a settled lineup that knows each other’s games inside out. Rashid Khan remains the linchpin, orchestrating bowling strategies while contributing crucial lower-order runs. His captaincy has matured significantly, evident from their 2024 semifinal run.

The batting order looks solid with Rahmanullah Gurbaz providing explosive starts at the top. His fearless approach sets the tone, while Ibrahim Zadran offers stability and rotation of strike. The middle order featuring Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai can accelerate or consolidate depending on match situations.

Afghanistan’s Group D fixtures include matches against New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, and UAE. The spin-friendly pitches in India and Sri Lanka should suit their bowling attack perfectly.

Spin Arsenal: Afghanistan’s Biggest Weapon

Cricket experts believe Afghanistan’s spin department could be the difference-maker in this tournament. Having three world-class spinners gives captain Rashid Khan incredible flexibility:

• Rashid Khan – Leg-spin wizard with countless variations and match-winning ability
• Mujeeb Ur Rahman – Off-spin mystery bowler who troubles right and left-handers equally
• Noor Ahmad – Left-arm wrist spinner adding a different dimension

This trio can bowl 12 overs collectively, maintaining pressure throughout the innings. On turning tracks, they become nearly unplayable, as seen during their 2024 campaign where they consistently defended modest totals.

Pace Department Gets Stronger

While spin remains their primary weapon, Afghanistan’s pace bowling has improved dramatically. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq form a potent new-ball combination, both capable of swinging the ball early and executing yorkers later.

Azmatullah Omarzai provides the third seaming option when conditions demand an extra pacer. His ability to hit hard lengths and bowl cutters makes him valuable in the middle overs.

Group D: The Road Ahead

Afghanistan start their campaign against New Zealand in Chennai on February 8. The Kiwis have traditionally struggled against quality spin, making this an excellent opportunity for Rashid Khan’s men to make a statement early.

The clash against South Africa in Ahmedabad on February 11 could determine who tops the group. Both teams possess match-winners and have recent tournament experience, setting up a blockbuster encounter.

Matches against UAE and Canada should allow Afghanistan to test their bench strength and maintain winning momentum heading into the knockout stages.

What Makes Afghanistan Different Now

Gone are the days when Afghanistan were considered minnows in world cricket. Their journey from Associate nation to legitimate title contenders represents one of cricket’s greatest success stories.

The team now features players with extensive IPL, PSL, BBL, and other franchise league experience. This exposure to high-pressure situations and world-class players has accelerated their development tremendously.

Mohammad Nabi brings 15+ years of international experience, mentoring younger players while still delivering with bat and ball. Gulbadin Naib’s return adds another battle-hardened campaigner who thrives when stakes are highest.

The semifinal appearance in 2024 proved Afghanistan belong at cricket’s top table. They defeated established teams convincingly, showing their success wasn’t a fluke but the result of systematic planning and player development.

Key Players to Watch

Rashid Khan (Captain) – The undisputed leader who controls matches with ball and inspires teammates with his never-say-die attitude. His captaincy will be crucial in big moments.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz – The explosive wicketkeeper-batter sets the platform with aggressive starts. If he fires consistently, Afghanistan become extremely difficult to stop.

Naveen-ul-Haq – His return from injury significantly strengthens the death bowling. Known for holding nerve in tight finishes across T20 leagues globally.

Mohammad Nabi – The veteran all-rounder provides experience, finishing ability with the bat, and crucial overs of off-spin through the middle phase.

Tournament Expectations and Predictions

Afghanistan enter this tournament with realistic ambitions of reaching at least the semifinals again. Their balanced squad, suited to subcontinental conditions, gives them advantages over several higher-ranked teams.

The spin trio could prove decisive on wearing pitches as the tournament progresses. Teams lacking quality players of spin might find Afghanistan nearly impossible to beat in knockout games.

However, their batting depth remains a slight concern. Beyond the top five, the lower order consists mainly of bowling all-rounders. Finishing games when top-order fails could test their composure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is captaining Afghanistan in T20 World Cup 2026?
Rashid Khan will lead Afghanistan throughout the tournament. The star leg-spinner has captained the side successfully in recent years.

Which players returned to Afghanistan’s World Cup squad?
Gulbadin Naib and Naveen-ul-Haq both return after missing recent series. Fazalhaq Farooqi is also back after being unavailable for the Bangladesh matches.

Why was AM Ghazanfar dropped from the main squad?
Mujeeb Ur Rahman replaced Ghazanfar in the 15-man roster. The selectors preferred Mujeeb’s experience for tournament conditions, though Ghazanfar remains in reserves.

When does Afghanistan play their first T20 World Cup 2026 match?
Afghanistan face New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai to begin their Group D campaign.

Which teams are in Afghanistan’s World Cup group?
Group D contains Afghanistan, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, and UAE.

What are Afghanistan’s chances of winning T20 World Cup 2026?
Afghanistan enter as dark horses with genuine winning potential. Their spin attack and recent form make them dangerous opponents for any team, especially on turning pitches in India and Sri Lanka.