Afghanistan has been placed in Group D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, the 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 support Afghanistan’s famous spin attack.
Experienced core anchors the campaign in Afghanistan
The team has a strong backbone of proven artists. Dynamic opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Ishaq will share the wicketkeeping duties, while Ibrahim Zadran has been named vice-captain. The middle order is strengthened by seasoned all-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai, who provide 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, who provides variety in addition to swing and seam.
Gulbadin Naib returns as a big-match player
One of the most high-profile players is veteran all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, who returned to the T20I setup after limited recent appearances. Afghan Chief Selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil described Naib as one “great competitive player”, a reputation earned through years of clutch performance.
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 from nine balls against South Africa played a decisive role in Afghanistan’s historic series.
Naveen-ul-Haq strengthens the seam attack
Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq also made a timely comeback after recovering from a shoulder injury. At just 26 years of age, Naveen has already amassed an impressive T20I record, taking 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.
Abdullah Ahmadzai gets his first World Cup call-up
Young pacer Abdullah Ahmadzai got a maiden World Cup call-up, while left-handed batsman Shahidullah Kamal retained his place and provided balance in the middle order. Spinner AM Ghazanfar has been included in the reserves along with Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, despite a strong performance.
Afghanistan will use a T20I series against the West Indies in the UAE from January 19 to 22 as preparation.
Also READ: England announce provisional squad for 2026 T20 World Cup, no place for Jamie Smith
Afghanistan squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup:
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: Allah Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
Also READ: Shubman Gill dropped, Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh return as India unveils squad for 2026 T20 World Cup
#Afghanistan #announce #squad #T20 #World #Cup #Gulbadin #Naib #NaveenulHaq #return