Afghanistan announce squad for 2026 T20 World Cup; Gulbadin Naib and Naveen-ul-Haq return
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cupwhich will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Star leg-spinner Rachid Khan will lead a balanced team mixing experienced activists and emerging talents.
Afghanistan were placed in Pool D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Canada. Their campaign begins with a high-profile opening match against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai, a venue expected to support Afghanistan’s famous spinning attack.
Experienced core anchors Afghan campaign
The team has a strong backbone of experienced players. Dynamic opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Ishaq will share wicketkeeping duties, while Ibrahim Zadran has been named vice-captain. The middle order is supported by seasoned all-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai, providing both stability and flexibility.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack remains heavily focused on spin, with Rashid joined by left-hand spinner Noor Ahmad and mystery off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The rhythm department is led by Fazalhaq Farooqi, offering variety alongside swing and seam.
Gulbadin Naib returns as an important player
One of the most talked about inclusions is veteran all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, who returned to the T20I setup after limited recent appearances. Afghanistan chief coach Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil described Naib as a “big match player” a reputation earned through years of clutch performance.
Naib has accumulated 986 at a strike rate of 121.57 and has claimed 35 wickets in 78 T20Is. His calm finishing ability was on display in the semi-final of the 2024 T20 World Cup, where his unbeaten 15 from nine balls against South Africa played a decisive role in Afghanistan’s historic run.
Naveen-ul-Haq strengthens seam attack
Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq also made a timely return after recovering from a shoulder injury. At just 26 years old, Naveen has already built an impressive T20I record, with 67 wickets at an average of 18.73 and an economy rate of 7.78.
His experience in franchise leagues including the IPL and CPL adds significant value. Naveen’s variations should complement Farooqi’s left-arm pace, giving Afghanistan greater flexibility on India’s flatter surfaces.
Abdullah Ahmadzai receives his first World Cup call-up
Young pacer Abdullah Ahmadzai received a maiden World Cup call-up, while left-handed hitter Shahidullah Kamal retained his place to provide balance in the middle order. Spinner AM Ghazanfar, despite strong performances, was named among the reserves alongside Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
Afghanistan will use a T20I series against West Indies in the United Arab Emirates from January 19-22 as preparation.
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Afghanistan squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Rashid Khan (captain), Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran, Noor Ahmad
Reserves: Allah Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
Also READ: Shubman Gill dropped, Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh return as India unveil squad for T20 World Cup 2026
