Afghanistan Reveals 15-Player Lineup for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Dubai – Afghanistan has officially shared its roster of 15 players for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The team will be led by captain Rashid Khan, with veteran all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and pace bowler Naveen Ul Haq making their significant returns.

Naveen Ul Haq rejoins after overcoming a shoulder injury, bolstering Afghanistan's bowling strength. The squad also keeps left-handed batsman Shahidullah Kamal and wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq, who have become essential team members.

Emerging fast bowler Abdullah Ahmadzai has earned a spot in the main squad, underscoring the team's focus on nurturing new talent. Fazal Haq Farooqi is also included, having had limited play recently, for both the West Indies series and the World Cup.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman's re-entry into the squad means AM Ghazanfar shifts to the reserves, along with middle-order batter Ijaz Ahmadzai and promising bowler Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.

In preparation for the World Cup, Afghanistan will engage in a three-match T20I series against the West Indies in the UAE from January 19 to 22, fielding the same squad.

Last year’s T20 World Cup saw Afghanistan make history by reaching its first semi-final, where they were defeated by South Africa. The team aims to continue this progress in the upcoming tournament.

ACB CEO Naseeb Khan remarked, “Afghan Atalan had an impressive run in the last T20 World Cup. Hosting the West Indies provides an excellent opportunity to refine our team and acclimate to Asian conditions.”

ACB Chief Selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil mentioned, “Forming the squad was a tough task. The comeback of Gulbadin Naib is a huge advantage, and Naveen Ul Haq enhances our pace options. Excluding AM Ghazanfar was hard, but necessary for Mujeeb's return. Shahidullah Kamal's recent form and left-handed batting enrich our lineup significantly.”

In Pool D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada, Afghanistan begins its 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.