Leadership change follows disappointing T20 World Cup campaign
Afghanistan has made a major leadership change in its T20I setup, appointing opening batter Ibrahim Zadran as captain in place of star leg-spinner Rashid Khan following the team’s early exit from the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The move comes after Afghanistan failed to advance beyond the group stage of the tournament, suffering defeats to South Africa and New Zealand. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed that Zadran — previously the team’s vice-captain — will now lead the side in the shortest format as part of a broader strategic reset.
The 24-year-old is already one of Afghanistan’s most established T20I batters. Across 65 innings in the format, he has scored 1,865 runs at an average of 33.30 with a strike rate of 114.83, making him the nation’s fourth-highest run-scorer in T20 internationals.
ACB frames decision as part of long-term strategy
In explaining the leadership transition, the ACB emphasized that the change is designed to support the team’s long-term development following adjustments to its coaching structure and overall management.
“Rashid Khan’s tenure as the T20I captain brought immense success to the team, particularly highlighted by the team’s remarkable journey in the 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup, where we reached the semi-finals,” the ACB said in a statement.
“In alignment with the ACB’s long-term strategic vision and following recent changes in our team management, including the appointment of a new head coach, we have made the thoughtful decision to transition the leadership within the T20I set-up.”
Zadran will work under newly appointed Head Coach Richard Pybus, who replaces Jonathan Trott after the Englishman’s tenure concluded. The upcoming series against Sri Lanka will mark Pybus’ first assignment in charge.
Sri Lanka series set to be first test for new captain
Zadran’s first challenge as captain will be a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on March 13 in Sharjah. The teams will then play a three-match ODI series in Dubai later in the month.
The T20Is are set for March 13, 15 and 17, while the ODI matches will follow on March 20, 22 and 25.
However, uncertainty remains around the fixtures due to regional tensions affecting travel and logistics in the Middle East.
“the ACB is closely monitoring the ongoing situation in the region and is engaging in discussions with all stakeholders about whether the series can proceed with the series as originally planned, both in terms of dates and venue,” according to ACB.
“Although a final decision will be made in a couple of days, the ACB’s initial approach, in coordination with the ECB [Emirates Cricket Board] and venue authorities, is to proceed with the originally scheduled dates. Should circumstances necessitate a change, the ACB will consider exploring alternative options for both the host country and the event schedule.”
Squad changes follow World Cup disappointment
Alongside the captaincy shift, Afghanistan has made several changes to its white-ball squads.
Fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi, seam-bowling allrounder Gulbadin Naib and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq have been omitted after featuring in the T20 World Cup campaign. In their place, the selectors have included uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman, spin-bowling allrounder Sharafuddin Ashraf and left-arm seamer Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Meanwhile, Hashmatullah Shahidi will continue to captain Afghanistan in the ODI format, with Rahmat Shah serving as his deputy.
Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi — who was called into the T20 World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured Naveen-ul-Haq — has now received his maiden ODI call-up, while promising seamer Bilal Sami has retained his place after impressing during recent appearances.
Afghanistan squads for Sri Lanka white-ball series
T20I squad
Ibrahim Zadran (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Noor Rahman (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Abdullah Ahmadzai
Reserves: Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami, Ijaz Ahmadzai
ODI squad
Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmat Shah (vice-capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Bilal Sami
Reserves: Qais Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Bashir Ahmad
With a new captain, a new head coach and fresh faces entering the squad, Afghanistan’s leadership appears focused on rebuilding momentum as it prepares for the next cycle of global tournaments.
