Afghanistan team – Squad and Matches for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Afghanistan enters the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as one of the fastest-rising teams in world cricket. Known for their world-class spin attack and improving batting depth, Afghanistan aims to continue its strong performances in global tournaments.
Captain: Rashid Khan
Vice Captain: Ibrahim Zadran
Coach: Jonathan Trott
Mentor: Dinesh Kartik
Afghanistan Group Stage Match Schedule – T20 World Cup 2026
Afghanistan vs New Zealand
Date: 8 February 2026
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium
Time: 11:00 AM
Afghanistan vs South Africa
Date: 11 February 2026
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium
Time: 11:00 AM
Afghanistan vs United Arab Emirates
Date: 16 February 2026
Venue: Eden Gardens
Time: 11:00 AM
Afghanistan vs Canada
Date: 19 February 2026
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium
Time: 07:00 PM
Squad: Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohammad Ishaq Rahimi, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran (wk), Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Farid Ahmad Malik
1. Rashid Khan (Captain)
Strengths:
- World-class leg-spinner with exceptional variations
- Dangerous lower-order hitter
- Massive T20 experience and strong leadership
Weaknesses:
- Can be targeted by batters who play spin very well
- Batting impact often depends on match situation
2. Noor Ahmad
Strengths:
- Mystery left-arm wrist spinner
- Hard to read variations
- Effective in middle overs
Weaknesses:
- Still young and developing consistency
- Can struggle against experienced power hitters
3. Abdullah Ahmadzai
Strengths:
- Fast-bowling option with good pace
- Useful in domestic cricket structure
- Athletic fielder
Weaknesses:
- Limited international exposure
- Needs better control under pressure
4. Sediqullah Atal
Strengths:
- Technically sound top-order batter
- Ability to build innings
- Good temperament
Weaknesses:
- Strike rate improvement required in T20s
- Still adapting to international bowling attacks
5. Fazalhaq Farooqi
Strengths:
- Skilled left-arm fast bowler
- Excellent new-ball swing
- Reliable death-over specialist
Weaknesses:
- Can leak runs if early swing is absent
- Sometimes predictable in slower-ball usage
6. Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Strengths:
- Explosive wicketkeeper-opener
- Attacks powerplay aggressively
- Match-winning batting ability
Weaknesses:
- Risky attacking approach
- Can lose wicket early against disciplined bowling
7. Mohammad Ishaq Rahimi
Strengths:
- Wicketkeeper-batter backup option
- Strong domestic performances
- Good fielding skills
Weaknesses:
- Limited international experience
- Needs consistency with bat
8. Shahidullah Kamal
Strengths:
- All-round ability
- Provides depth in batting
- Useful medium-pace bowling option
Weaknesses:
- Still establishing role in T20 format
- Lacks exposure at highest level
9. Mohammad Nabi
Strengths:
- Highly experienced all-rounder
- Smart off-spin bowling
- Reliable finisher and game reader
Weaknesses:
- Age factor impacts fitness and fielding agility
- Power hitting slightly reduced compared to peak years
10. Gulbadin Naib
Strengths:
- Strong medium-pace all-rounder
- Aggressive middle-order hitter
- High energy and fighting attitude
Weaknesses:
- Bowling can be expensive in T20s
- Batting inconsistency
11. Azmatullah Omarzai
Strengths:
- Promising seam-bowling all-rounder
- Powerful hitter in lower order
- Improving international reputation
Weaknesses:
- Needs better death bowling control
- Still gaining experience in big tournaments
12. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Strengths:
- Mystery spinner with multiple variations
- Effective powerplay bowler
- Hard to pick due to unique bowling action
Weaknesses:
- Injuries have affected rhythm
- Can be attacked if variations are read early
13. Darwish Rasooli
Strengths:
- Stylish middle-order batter
- Good shot range
- Technically strong
Weaknesses:
- Limited T20 international experience
- Needs better finishing ability
14. Ibrahim Zadran
Strengths:
- Consistent top-order performer
- Strong temperament and technique
- Good anchor role player
Weaknesses:
- Strike rate sometimes slow in T20s
- Needs to improve power hitting
15. Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi
Strengths:
- Emerging bowling talent
- Provides squad depth
- Good domestic performances
Weaknesses:
- Limited international exposure
- Needs experience in high-pressure matches