T20 World Cup 2026: Rashid Khan Set To Lead Strong 15-Member Afghanistan Squad

Afghanistan named a combined squad for the West Indies T20I series and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Rashid Khan set to lead the side.

Afghanistan have announced their squad for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.

Ahead of the global event, Afghanistan will host the West Indies in a three-match T20I series scheduled from January 19 to 22 in the UAE. The series will serve as key preparation before the team heads into the World Cup in Asian conditions.

Rashid Khan will captain the Afghanistan side, which has been strengthened by the return of all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and right-arm fast bowler Naveen Ul Haq, who has recovered from a shoulder injury. Their comeback adds experience and balance to the squad.

Left-handed middle-order batter Shahidullah Kamal and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq retained their places for the upcoming assignments. Young fast bowler Abdullah Ahmadzai was also included in the main squad. Meanwhile, Fazal Haq Farooqi, who missed most of the recent series against Bangladesh and played only the final T20I against Zimbabwe, returned to the 15-man squad for both the West Indies series and the World Cup.

Spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman also made his way back into the squad, which resulted in AM Ghazanfar being named in the reserves. Middle-order batter Ijaz Ahmadzai and young pacer Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi were also placed in the reserve pool.

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ACB CEO Naseeb Khan stated, “Afghanistan 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.”

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 West Indies series and T20 World Cup 2026

Rashid Khan (C), 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, Abdullah Ahmadzai

Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi