Rashid Khan has been confirmed as Afghanistan’s captain for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka after the Afghanistan Cricket Board announced a 15-member squad on Tuesday.
The squad will also represent Afghanistan in the upcoming T20I series against West Indies, which begins on January 19, 2026. The selection features a blend of experience and recovery returns as the team looks to build momentum ahead of the global tournament.
Veteran all-rounder Gulbadin Naib makes his comeback to the national set-up, while fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq returns after recovering from a shoulder injury. Their inclusions are expected to strengthen both the middle order and the pace attack.
Left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who missed the recent series against Bangladesh, is also back in contention, adding further depth to Afghanistan’s fast-bowling options.
Another key change sees Mujeeb Ur Rahman recalled to the main squad in place of AM Ghazanfar. Ghazanfar has been named among the reserves for the tournament.
Afghanistan Cricket Board chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil said the selection reflected both form and big-match temperament. He described Naib as a proven performer on major occasions and said Naveen’s return significantly lifted the quality of the pace unit. Sulimankhil added that leaving Ghazanfar out of the main squad was a difficult decision, made only to accommodate Mujeeb.
Afghanistan have been drawn in Group D of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 alongside New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the UAE.
Rashid Khan’s side will open their campaign against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai, before facing South Africa in Ahmedabad on February 11. They will then play the UAE in Delhi on February 16 and Canada in Chennai on February 19.
Afghanistan Group D fixtures:
- February 8: v New Zealand, Chennai
- February 11: v South Africa, Ahmedabad
- February 16: v UAE, Delhi
- February 19: v Canada, Chennai
