Afghanistan has revealed their 15-player squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The team, captained by Rashid Khan, sees the return of experienced all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and right-arm fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq after recovering from a shoulder injury.
Among the squad members are left-handed middle-order batter Shahidullah Kamal, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq, and young fast bowler Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Fazal Haq Farooqi, who missed the recent Bangladesh series, has been included in the squad for both the West Indies series and the World Cup. Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s presence is notable, with AM Ghazanfar named among the reserves.
Afghanistan will face the West Indies in a three-match T20I series in the UAE before the global tournament, using the same squad for both events.
ACB CEO Naseeb Khan expressed optimism for the upcoming World Cup, highlighting the team’s past success and the opportunity to fine-tune their skills against the West Indies. Chief Selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil emphasized the importance of key players like Gulbadin Naib and Naveen Ul Haq in strengthening the team.
The squad, placed in Pool D for the World Cup, will kick off their campaign against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai.
In the previous 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan made history by reaching their first semi-finals, ultimately losing to South Africa.
