🇦🇫 Afghanistan Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Full Team List & Key Players
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, featuring 20 teams and 55 matches. Afghanistan, one of the fastest-rising forces in world cricket, heads into the tournament with confidence after reaching the semi-finals of the 2024 edition.
Led by Rashid Khan, Afghanistan have named a strong and settled squad built around spin dominance, experienced all-rounders, and fearless top-order batting — a combination perfectly suited to subcontinental conditions.
🇦🇫 Afghanistan Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rashid Khan (C) | Captain / All-Rounder |
| 2 | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 3 | Ibrahim Zadran | Top-order Batter |
| 4 | Darwish Rasooli | Batter |
| 5 | Sediqullah Atal | Batter |
| 6 | Abdullah Ahmadzai | Batter |
| 7 | Mohammad Ishaq | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 8 | Mohammad Nabi | All-Rounder |
| 9 | Gulbadin Naib | All-Rounder |
| 10 | Azmatullah Omarzai | All-Rounder |
| 11 | Rashid Khan | Spin All-Rounder |
| 12 | Mujeeb Ur Rahman | Off-Spin Bowler |
| 13 | Noor Ahmad | Left-arm Wrist Spinner |
| 14 | Fazalhaq Farooqi | Left-arm Fast Bowler |
| 15 | Naveen-ul-Haq | Right-arm Fast Bowler |
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed the final 15-member squad, which will also feature in the upcoming T20I series against West Indies.
Reserves
- AM Ghazanfar
- Ijaz Ahmadzai
- Zia-ur-Rahman Sharifi
Leadership & Team Management
- Captain: Rashid Khan
- Head Coach: Jonathan Trott
Rashid Khan’s leadership remains central to Afghanistan’s identity in T20 cricket. His calm presence, tactical awareness, and match-winning ability with both ball and bat give the side a competitive edge. Under Jonathan Trott’s guidance, Afghanistan have developed greater discipline and clarity in high-pressure matches.
Afghanistan’s Group – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
| Team | Qualification Path |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | ICC Men’s T20I Rankings |
| South Africa | Top 7 finish – T20 World Cup 2024 |
| Afghanistan | Top 7 finish – T20 World Cup 2024 |
| Canada | Americas Qualifier |
| United Arab Emirates | Asia / EAP Qualifier |
Afghanistan Group Stage Matches – T20 WC 2026
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (Local / GMT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Feb 8, 2026 | New Zealand vs Afghanistan | Chennai – MA Chidambaram Stadium | 11:00 AM IST / 05:30 GMT |
| Wed, Feb 11, 2026 | South Africa vs Afghanistan | Ahmedabad – Narendra Modi Stadium | 11:00 AM IST / 05:30 GMT |
| Mon, Feb 16, 2026 | Afghanistan vs UAE | Delhi – Arun Jaitley Stadium | 11:00 AM IST / 05:30 GMT |
| Thu, Feb 19, 2026 | Afghanistan vs Canada | Chennai – MA Chidambaram Stadium | 07:00 PM IST / 13:30 GMT |
Predicted Afghanistan Playing XI – T20 World Cup 2026
| Batting Position | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 2 | Ibrahim Zadran | Opening Batter |
| 3 | Sediqullah Atal | Top-order Batter |
| 4 | Darwish Rasooli | Middle-order Batter |
| 5 | Rashid Khan (C) | All-Rounder |
| 6 | Mohammad Nabi | All-Rounder |
| 7 | Azmatullah Omarzai | All-Rounder |
| 8 | Mujeeb Ur Rahman | Off-spin Bowler |
| 9 | Noor Ahmad | Left-arm Wrist Spinner |
| 10 | Fazalhaq Farooqi | Left-arm Fast Bowler |
| 11 | Naveen-ul-Haq | Right-arm Fast Bowler |
Bench Strength: Gulbadin Naib, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Mohammad Ishaq, AM Ghazanfar
Team Strengths & Key Analysis
1. Elite Spin Arsenal
Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad form one of the most dangerous spin attacks in world cricket — a major advantage on Indian surfaces.
2. Explosive Yet Stable Top Order
Gurbaz’s aggression combined with Zadran’s composure gives Afghanistan flexibility in both powerplay and chase scenarios.
3. Strong All-Round Core
Nabi, Omarzai, and Naib ensure depth in batting while contributing crucial overs with the ball.
4. Improved Death Bowling
Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq provide variation, pace, and control in the final overs.
Afghanistan’s Road to Glory
Afghanistan are no longer just participants — they are contenders. Their semi-final finish in 2024 marked a turning point, and the 2026 tournament presents another opportunity to challenge the traditional giants. With spin-friendly venues and a settled squad, Afghanistan could once again upset bigger names.
Final Word
The Afghanistan squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 reflects confidence, continuity, and ambition. With Rashid Khan leading a balanced side packed with international experience, Afghanistan will enter the tournament aiming not just to compete — but to make history.