Afghanistan announce squad for T20 World Cup 2026 and West Indies series; Mumbai Indians star named in reserve

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced their 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Rashid Khan will continue to lead the side, with Naveen Ul Haq and Gulbadin Naib returning to the side. Haq, in particular, has recovered from his shoulder injury.

Fazalhaq Farooqi also made his comeback after missing out on the recently concluded T20I series against Bangladesh and two T20Is vs Zimbabwe.

Shahidullah Kamal and Mohammad Ishaq have retained their places in the 15-member side, while young pacer Abdullah Ahmadzai has been included in the main side.

Quality spinners Noor Ahmad, who plays for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are also part of the squad.

Mumbai Indians (MI) player Allah Ghazanfar has been included among three reserves for the ICC event.

Speaking about the final squad, ACB's chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil said:

"We had good discussions over the past few days and finalized the squad. Gulbadin Naib is a big-match player, and his return boosts our team. We are also pleased to have Naveen Ul Haq back, which enhances the quality of our fast bowling." "It was a tough decision to leave AM Ghazanfar out of the main squad, as his place made way for Mujeeb. Shahidullah Kamal performed well in the recent event and provides us with a valuable left-handed option, which is crucial in major tournaments," he added.

Notably, Afghanistan reached the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. They beat New Zealand and Australia in the group stage and Super Eight stages of the tournament, respectively. They will now look to continue their rise in the ICC event.

Afghanistan Squad for the West Indies Series and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:

Rashid Khan (Captain), 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, and Abdullah Ahmadzai.

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

Notably, Afghanistan are placed in Group D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, UAE, and Canada. They will begin their campaign against the Kiwis in Chennai on February 8.

The same side will play a three-match T20I series against the UAE on January 19, 21, and 22, respectively.

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Edited by James Kuanal