8 months ago
Afghanistan Names Rashid Khan for 2026 T20 World Cup
Afghanistan has announced their team for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Rashid Khan will be the captain, and Ibrahim Zadran will be his deputy.
The team includes key players like Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib, and Naveen-ul-Haq, who are returning after injuries.
Allah Ghazanfar was left out of the main squad to make room for Mujeeb.
Afghanistan is in Group D and will play practice matches against the West Indies in January.
They aim to build on their historic semi-final run in the last T20 World Cup.
The team will start their campaign against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai.
Rashid Khan named captain of Afghanistan's 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Key players Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib, and Naveen-ul-Haq return to the squad.
Allah Ghazanfar excluded to make room for Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Afghanistan placed in Group D for the tournament, with opponents including New Zealand, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and Canada.
Team will gain match practice in a three-match T20I series against the West Indies from January 19-22, 2026.
- Who
- Afghanistan cricket team, led by Rashid Khan
- What
- Announcement of the 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup
- Where
- India and Sri Lanka
- When
- December 30, 2025
- Why
- To compete in the 2026 T20 World Cup
Afghanistan Cricket Board
None
Squad Selection
Afghanistan Cricket Board
Prioritized experienced players like Mujeeb Ur Rahman over younger options like Allah Ghazanfar for the main squad.
None
None
Key facts
- Captain
- Rashid Khan
- Vice-Captain
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Tournament
- 2026 T20 World Cup
- Group
- Group D
- Key Players Returning
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib, Naveen-ul-Haq
- Reserves
- AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi
- Notable Exclusion
- Allah Ghazanfar
- Host Countries
- India and Sri Lanka
- Opponents in Group D
- New Zealand, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Canada
- First Match
- February 8, 2026, against New Zealand in Chennai
Timeline
ACC delays Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2025, sparking talks on Pakistan's alternative cricket events.
Then, a tri-series involving Afghanistan, Pakistan, and UAE emerges as a potential replacement.
Afghanistan's participation in Asia Cup and Pakistan Tri-Series confirmed, triggering captaincy change.
Rashid Khan appointed Afghanistan's captain for Asia Cup and Pakistan Tri-Series, hinting at future role.
Afghanistan announces Rashid Khan as captain for 2026 T20 World Cup.
Quotes
Naseeb Khan
National cricket board's chief executive officer
“Afghanistan had a terrific run in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup. We cherish excellent memories from the past and hope for even better results this year in Asian conditions.”
CNBC TV 18
Sources
T20 World Cup 2026: Afghanistan Recall Naveen, Naib; Rashid To Lead
Rashid Khan to lead Afghanistan at T20 World Cup 2026; Mujeeb, Farooqi return
Afghanistan Announce Squad For ICC T20 World Cup 2026 And West Indies T20I Series; Rashid Khan To Lead, Mujeeb And Gulbadin Return | VIDEO
Jatinder Singh To Lead Oman In T20 World Cup 2026
Rashid Khan to lead Afghanistan's cricketers at T20 World Cup
Rashid Khan named captain as Afghanistan announce squad for 2026 T20 World Cup
Rashid leads as Afghanistan recall Naveen, Naib for T20 WC
Rashid Khan To Lead Afghanistan In T20 World Cup 2026; Naveen Ul Haq, Gulbadin Naib Return To Squad
Rashid Khan to lead Afghanistan in T20 World Cup 2026
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