Afghanistan have named a power-packed 15 for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, and it’s led by the one and only Rashid Khan. The 2024 semi-finalists are rolling into India and Sri Lanka with serious intent, mixing big-game experience with exciting T20 firepower.
The biggest boosts? Gulbadin Naib and Naveen-ul-Haq return, with Naveen back fit after a shoulder injury. Fazalhaq Farooqi also strengthens the pace unit after missing the Bangladesh series, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman replaces AM Ghazanfar, who drops to the reserves despite his recent rise.
Afghanistan CEO Naseeb Khan says the side is hungry to go even better after their historic 2024 run. And with spin superstars, wicket-takers, and proven match-winners across the XI, this squad already looks built for Asian conditions. The same group will also face West Indies in a three-match T20I series in the UAE from January 19–22, perfect preparation before the World Cup kicks off.
Placed in Group D with New Zealand, South Africa, UAE and Canada, Afghanistan open their campaign against the Black Caps in Chennai on February 8. With Rashid leading. Mujeeb spinning. Naveen and Farooqi steaming in. And Naib back for the big moments. Afghanistan are coming in hot, and the cricket world knows it.
Afghanistan squad: Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, 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. Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai and Ziaur Rahman Sharifi.
Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup group fixtures:
- v New Zealand: February 8, Chennai
- v South Africa: February 11, Ahmedabad
- v UAE: February 16, Delhi
- v Canada: February 19, Chennai
