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Post by : Badri Ariffin
Dubai – Afghanistan has officially revealed its 15-member lineup for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The team will be spearheaded by captain Rashid Khan, who will be joined by seasoned all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and fast bowler Naveen Ul Haq, both making significant comebacks.
Naveen Ul Haq returns to the fold post shoulder injury, bolstering Afghanistan’s pace attack. The roster retains left-handed middle-order batsman Shahidullah Kamal and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq, both vital to the squad.
Emerging talent Abdullah Ahmadzai has been selected, illustrating the team's focus on youth development. Fazal Haq Farooqi, who has had limited appearances, is also included for both the upcoming West Indies series and the World Cup.
The comeback of Mujeeb Ur Rahman results in AM Ghazanfar being shifted to the reserves, along with middle-order batter Ijaz Ahmadzai and the promising fast bowler Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
To gear up for the World Cup, Afghanistan will face the West Indies in a three-match T20I series from January 19 to 22 in the UAE, deploying the same squad.
In the preceding 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan achieved historic success by reaching their first semi-final, ultimately falling to South Africa. The team looks to capitalize on this achievement.
ACB CEO Naseeb Khan remarked, “Afghan Atalan showcased a strong performance in the last T20 World Cup. Hosting the West Indies ahead of the tournament provides an excellent opportunity to hone our skills for Asian conditions.”
Chief Selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil commented, “Selecting the squad posed challenges. Gulbadin Naib’s return is a significant advantage, and Naveen Ul Haq’s comeback enhances our pace options. Omitting AM Ghazanfar was tough yet essential due to Mujeeb’s inclusion. Shahidullah Kamal’s current form and left-handed bat add crucial balance to the team.”
Afghanistan finds itself in Pool D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada, with their journey commencing against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai.
Afghanistan’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Squad:
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.
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