Afghanistan announce squad for T20 World Cup 2026; Gulbadin Naib, Naveen-ul-Haq return

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The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has unveiled their 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan will lead a balanced squad that blends experienced campaigners with emerging talent.

Afghanistan have been placed in Pool D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Canada. Their campaign begins with a high-profile opener against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai, a venue expected to assist Afghanistan’s renowned spin attack.

The squad features a strong spine of proven performers. Dynamic opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Ishaq will share wicketkeeping duties, while Ibrahim Zadran has been named vice-captain. The middle order is bolstered by seasoned allrounders Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai, offering both stability and flexibility.

Afghanistan’s bowling attack remains heavily spin-oriented, with Rashid joined by left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad and mystery off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The pace department is led by Fazalhaq Farooqi, providing variety alongside swing and seam.

One of the most talked-about inclusions is veteran allrounder Gulbadin Naib, who returned to the T20I setup after limited recent appearances. Afghanistan chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil described Naib as a “big-match player,” a reputation earned through years of clutch performances.

Naib has amassed 986 at a strike rate of 121.57 and claimed 35 wickets across 78 T20Is. His calm finishing ability was on display during the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final, where his unbeaten 15 off nine balls against South Africa played a decisive role in Afghanistan’s historic run.

Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq also made a timely comeback after recovering from a shoulder injury. At just 26, Naveen has already built an impressive T20I record, with 67 wickets at an average of 18.73 and an economy rate of 7.78.

His experience in franchise leagues, including the IPL and CPL, adds significant value. Naveen’s variations are expected to complement Farooqi’s left-arm pace, giving Afghanistan greater flexibility on flatter Indian surfaces.

Young pacer Abdullah Ahmadzai received a maiden World Cup call-up, while left-handed batter Shahidullah Kamal retained his spot to provide balance in the middle order. Spinner AM Ghazanfar, despite strong performances, has been named among the reserves along with Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.

Afghanistan will use a T20I series against West Indies in the UAE from January 19 to 22 as preparation.

Rashid Khan (captain), 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, Noor Ahmad

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