Afghanistan have announced their 15-member squad for the three-match T20I series against India.
The series will be played from September 13 to 17, 2026. All three matches are scheduled at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.
Ibrahim Zadran will lead Afghanistan. It will be his first full-time assignment as the team’s T20I captain.
The squad has a mix of experienced players and young talent. Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has also returned after recovering from a stress fracture in his right shoulder.
Naveen’s return strengthens Afghanistan’s pace attack. Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Azmatullah Omarzai are also part of the bowling group.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board has always made every effort to select a well-balanced and fully prepared squad for all relevant competitions. We have followed the same approach for the upcoming series against India, and I hope the Afghanistan team will deliver an outstanding performance,” ACB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Naseeb Khan said in a statement from the cricket governing body.
“It is a great pride that Afghanistan is hosting a major cricketing nation for the first time. This reflects the progress Afghan cricket has made toward achieving its major objectives and shows that we are steadily advancing toward the strategic goals identified by the organization,” he further added.
Experienced Core and New Faces
Gulbadin Naib returns to add depth to the middle order. He can also provide an extra bowling option.
Noor Rahman has been picked as the second wicketkeeper. He is yet to make his international debut.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz remains the main wicketkeeper. Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli are also included.
Afghanistan have several strong spin options. Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Nangyal Kharoti are in the squad. Veteran Mohammad Nabi adds further experience.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman also returns to the group.
Three players have been named as reserves. They are Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal and Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Afghanistan squad
Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Noor Rahman (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Naveen-ul-Haq.
