Afghanistan announce squad for 2026 T20 World Cup, Rashid Khan to lead as star all-rounder returns

Afghanistan have named their 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Rashid Khan will be captaining the team as usual, but they have received a major boost with the return of two important players. Veteran all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and pacer Naveen-ul-Haq have both been included in the squad for the major tournament. While Gulbadin's last T20I appearance had come in September, Naveen had last played for the team in December, 2024 as he had been recovering from a shoulder injury.

Young spinner left out

One of the notable exclusions from the squad is that of young spinner Allah Ghazanfar, who has been left out in place of Mujeeb-ur-Rahman. Instead of the main squad, Ghazanfar was given a place in the team's reserve list instead. Notably, the team that Afghanistan have named for the T20 World Cup will also be participating in a three-match T20I series against West Indies that will commence from January 19. This will act as the side's final preparation before the World Cup.

Chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil remarked that the selection process was quite competitive and hioghlighted the importance of the returns of both Gulbadin and Naveen. He also shared his views on Ghazanfar's snub from the squad.

"Gulbadin Naib is a big-match player and his return adds value to the squad. We are also pleased to have Naveen-ul-Haq back, which improves the quality of our fast bowling. It was a tough decision to leave AM Ghazanfar out of the main squad to accommodate Mujeeb. Shahidullah Kamal gives us an important left-handed option, which can be decisive in major tournaments," Sulimankhil said.

Afghanistan's superb performance in 2024 T20 WC

The 2024 T20 World Cup proved to be quite memorable for Rashid & Co. as they made it to their first-ever semi-final by defeating Australia in the group stage. They eventually got defeated by South Africa, but undoubtedly were one of the standout teams of the tournament. They will be looking to continue making progress in the upcoming edition of the competition that will commence from February 7.

Afghanistan have been drawn in Group D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, UAE and Canada. Their opening clash of the tournament will be against New Zealand on February 8 at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai.

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Afghanistan's squad for T20 World Cup: Rashid Khan (captain), 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.

Afghanistan's reserve list: Allah Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.