Opener Ibrahim Zadran has been appointed as Afghanistan’s T20I captain for the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, taking over from leg-spinner Rashid Khan, as announced by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Zadran, who previously served as the T20I team’s vice-captain, steps into the top role following significant changes made to the squad post the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
Rashid Khan, who led the T20I team with notable success, especially during the 2024 T20 World Cup where Afghanistan reached the semi-finals, is being replaced in alignment with ACB’s strategic vision and recent alterations in the team management. Chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil expressed gratitude to Rashid Khan for his contributions and extended best wishes to Ibrahim Zadran in his new leadership role.
Several players, including Fazal Haq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib, and Mohammad Ishaq, have been left out from both the T20I and ODI squads for the series against Sri Lanka, the first assignment under new head coach Richard Pybus. The squads see the inclusion of new faces like Noor Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf, and Fareed Ahmad in the T20I team, while Fareed Ahmad Malik and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi join the ODI squad.
The ACB aims to prepare the team for upcoming World Cup events and build a strong bench strength under the new leadership. Concerns over the ongoing situation in the Gulf region, particularly the airspace closure due to the Israel-Iran conflict, have prompted discussions on the feasibility of the series proceeding as planned in terms of dates and venue.
The T20I matches between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are scheduled to be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on March 13, 15, and 17, with the ODI games set for the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 20, 22, and 25. While a final decision is pending, initial plans are to maintain the original schedule, with alternative options being considered if needed.
