The semi-finalists from the previous edition in 2024 have unveiled a strong and familiar lineup for the upcoming marquee tournament.
Afghanistan have once again signalled their growing ambition on the global stage after naming a settled and spin-heavy squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be played in India and Sri Lanka.
Rashid Khan will lead the side as Afghanistan look to build on their historic run to the semi-finals in the 2024 edition. The leg-spinner remains the heartbeat of the team and will be central to their plans in subcontinental conditions that are expected to assist spin.
The 15-member squad announced by the Afghanistan Cricket Board will also take part in the upcoming T20I series against West Indies, starting January 19, giving the team valuable match practice ahead of the world event.
Experience meets youth
Afghanistan’s selection reflects continuity rather than experimentation. Established names such as Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mujeeb Ur Rahman continue to form the core, while younger talents like Noor Ahmad and Ibrahim Zadran underline the side’s long-term planning.
The pace department will once again rely on the variety of Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, both of whom have impressed consistently in franchise leagues around the world. All-rounders Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai provide balance and flexibility, particularly in pressure situations.
Spin to be the trump card
With matches scheduled in India and Sri Lanka, Afghanistan’s strength in spin could prove decisive. Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad offer different styles and angles, making Afghanistan one of the most difficult teams to line up against on turning surfaces.
Their success in the 2024 World Cup was built around disciplined bowling and fearless batting — a formula they will look to repeat in 2026.
Afghanistan squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
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, Zia-ur-Rahman Sharifi.
A team no longer taken lightly
Afghanistan’s rise in T20 cricket has been one of the standout stories of the last decade. No longer viewed as outsiders, they enter the 2026 tournament as a genuine threat capable of unsettling traditional powerhouses.
With Rashid Khan at the helm and a squad packed with international experience, Afghanistan will be aiming not just to compete — but to go one step further than their breakthrough semi-final appearance last time around.
