Afghanistan enter the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with high confidence after their historic run in the previous edition, where they reached the semi-finals for the first time. The team will compete in the global tournament scheduled from 7 February to 8 March 2026 across India and Sri Lanka.
With a strong spin attack, experienced all-rounders, and a settled leadership group, Afghanistan aim to go one step further and challenge the top cricketing nations.
Rashid Khan Confirmed as Afghanistan Captain
Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan will lead Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup 2026. His leadership, match-winning ability, and experience in global T20 leagues make him the backbone of the side.
Rashid’s calm captaincy and tactical awareness are seen as crucial, especially on spin-friendly Asian pitches.
Read Also: ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027: Host Countries, Venues
Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad (15 Players)
Afghanistan have named a balanced squad combining youth, experience, and strong spin options.
Main Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Rashid Khan (C) | Leg-spinner |
| Ibrahim Zadran (VC) | Top-order batter |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Mohammad Ishaq | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Sediqullah Atal | Batter |
| Darwish Rasooli | Batter |
| Shahidullah Kamal | Left-hand batter |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | Fast-bowling all-rounder |
| Gulbadin Naib | All-rounder |
| Mohammad Nabi | Spin all-rounder |
| Noor Ahmad | Left-arm spinner |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | Mystery spinner |
| Naveen-ul-Haq | Fast bowler |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Left-arm pacer |
| Abdullah Ahmadzai | Fast bowler |
Reserves
- AM Ghazanfar
- Ijaz Ahmadzai
- Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi
Big Returns Strengthen the Squad
Gulbadin Naib’s Comeback
Veteran all-rounder Gulbadin Naib returns to the World Cup squad, adding experience and big-match temperament to the middle order.
Naveen-ul-Haq Back After Injury
Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq makes his return after recovering from a shoulder injury, strengthening Afghanistan’s pace attack alongside Farooqi and Omarzai.
Afghanistan’s Spin Power
Afghanistan’s biggest weapon remains spin. The combination of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi gives the team exceptional control in middle overs, especially in Indian and Sri Lankan conditions.
This spin-heavy attack is expected to play a key role against strong batting sides.
Afghanistan Group & Opponents in T20 World Cup 2026
Afghanistan have been placed in Group D, one of the toughest groups in the tournament.
Group D Teams
- Afghanistan
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- United Arab Emirates
- Canada
Afghanistan Match Schedule – Group Stage
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Feb 2026 | Afghanistan vs New Zealand | Chennai |
| 11 Feb 2026 | Afghanistan vs South Africa | Ahmedabad |
| 16 Feb 2026 | Afghanistan vs UAE | Delhi |
| 19 Feb 2026 | Afghanistan vs Canada | Chennai |
Afghanistan will open their campaign against New Zealand, followed by crucial matches against South Africa and UAE before closing the group stage against Canada.
See Also: India Next ODI Match: Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli’s
Warm-up Series Before the World Cup
Before the World Cup begins, Afghanistan will play a three-match T20I series against West Indies in the UAE from 19 to 22 January 2026. The same squad has been selected for the series, giving the team valuable match practice in similar conditions.
Afghanistan were one of the standout teams in the 2024 T20 World Cup, reaching the semi-finals and earning global praise for their fearless cricket. That performance has raised expectations, and the team now enters the 2026 edition with belief and maturity.
FAQs – Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026
Who is the captain of Afghanistan for T20 World Cup 2026?
Rashid Khan will captain Afghanistan in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
How many matches will Afghanistan play in the group stage?
Afghanistan will play 4 group-stage matches.
Which teams are in Afghanistan’s group?
Afghanistan are grouped with New Zealand, South Africa, UAE, and Canada.
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