Afghanistan Cricket Board’s National Selection Committee has finalized the AfghanAtalan Squad for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
Before embarking on their journey at the mega global T20 event in India and Sri Lanka, AfghanAtalan will meet the West Indies in a three-match T20I Series, which will be hosted by Afghanistan from January 19 to 22 in the UAE.
Rashid Khan will lead the Afghanistan Squad, which is boosted by the return of the all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and the right-arm fast bowler, Naveen Ul Haq, who returns from a shoulder injury.
Left-handed middle-order batter Shahidullah Kamal and the wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Ishaq retain their spots in the squad for the upcoming events. Abdullah Ahmadzai, a young fast bowler, has also been included in the main pool of players. Fazal Haq Farooqi, who missed the recently held series against Bangladesh and only played the last T20I against Zimbabwe, has made it into the 15-man squad for both the series and the World Cup.
A notable addition to the squad is Mujeeb Ur Rahman, which leads to AM Ghazanfar being placed in the reserve pool of players, alongside middle-order batter Ijaz Ahmadzai and promising young fast bowler Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
ACB CEO Mr. Naseeb Khan stated, “AfghanAtalan had a terrific run in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup. We cherish excellent memories from the past and hope for even better results this year, which will be played in Asian conditions. Hosting the West Indies team provides us with an incredible opportunity to fine-tune our combination and prepare adequately for the World Cup.”
Similarly, Mr. Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, ACB’s Chief Selector, added, “We had good discussions over the past few days and finalized the squad. Gulbadin Naib is a big-match player, and his return boosts our team. We are also pleased to have Naveen Ul Haq back, which enhances the quality of our fast bowling.”
“It was a tough decision to leave AM Ghazanfar out of the main squad, as his place made way for Mujeeb. Shahidullah Kamal performed well in the recent event and provides us with a valuable left-handed option, which is crucial in major tournaments.”
Afghanistan Squad for the West Indies Series and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Rashid Khan (Captain), 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 and Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
AfghanAtalan are placed in Pool D of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 alongside New Zealand, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Canada and will play their opening game in the event against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai.
Afghanistan Fixtures for the West Indies Series and the ICC Men’s T20 WC 2026:
| West Indies Series Fixtures | ||
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Monday, January 19 | 1st T20I | UAE |
| Wednesday, January 21 | 2nd T20I | UAE |
| Thursday, January 22 | 3rd T20I | UAE |
| Afghanistan’s Group stage Fixtures at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | ||
| Sunday, February 8 | Afghanistan vs New Zealand | Chennai |
| Wednesday, February 11 | Afghanistan vs South Africa | Ahmedabad |
| Monday, February 16 | Afghanistan vs United Arab Emirates | Delhi |
| Thursday, February 19 | Afghanistan vs Canada | Chennai |
