Afghanistan Unveils 15-Member T20I Squad for India Series in New Delhi
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed a 15-player squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against India, set to take place at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi from September 13 to September 17, 2026. The series marks the first full-time assignment for Ibrahim Zadran as Afghanistan’s T20I captain.
What Happened
Announced by the ACB on Monday, August 24, the touring party features a mixture of seasoned internationals and emerging domestic performers. Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq makes his return to the national team after recovering from a stress fracture in his right shoulder. He joins a pace attack that includes Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai.
All-rounder Gulbadin Naib returns to provide middle-order batting depth and an extra seam bowling option. Behind the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz remains the primary wicketkeeper, while the uncapped Noor Rahman has been chosen as the secondary wicketkeeper following impressive performances in domestic competitions and the Shpageeza Cricket League. The middle-order batting options also feature Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli.
Afghanistan’s spin department is led by Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Nangyal Kharoti, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, supported by the experience of veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi. Additionally, three reserve players—Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal, and Fareed Ahmad Malik—have been named to provide backup if required.
Key Highlights
- Leadership: Ibrahim Zadran takes charge in his first full-time role as Afghanistan T20I captain.
- Pace Reinforcement: Naveen-ul-Haq returns to the bowling lineup following recovery from a right shoulder stress fracture.
- New Inclusion: Uncapped wicketkeeper Noor Rahman earns his maiden call-up after strong form in domestic tournaments and the Shpageeza Cricket League.
- Experienced Core: Gulbadin Naib returns to the side alongside seasoned players Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan.
- Match Schedule: A three-match series scheduled from September 13 to September 17, 2026, at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.
- Reserves: Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal, and Fareed Ahmad Malik travel as official squad reserves.
Why This Matters
ACB Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan noted that the board prioritized selecting a balanced and fully prepared squad for the contest. Khan highlighted the significance of the fixture, stating that it represents great pride for Afghanistan to host a major cricketing nation for the first time, reflecting progress toward the organization’s strategic goals and major objectives.
What to Watch Next
The three T20I fixtures between Afghanistan and India will take place across the September 13–17 window at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, where Ibrahim Zadran’s newly assembled squad will take the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is captaining Afghanistan in the T20I series against India?
Ibrahim Zadran is leading the Afghanistan squad, marking his first full-time assignment as the team’s T20I captain.
Where and when will the T20I matches take place?
The three matches are scheduled between September 13 and September 17, 2026, at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.
Who are the wicketkeepers named in the squad?
Rahmanullah Gurbaz continues as the primary wicketkeeper, with uncapped player Noor Rahman selected as the backup wicketkeeper.
Which players are listed as reserves?
The Afghanistan Cricket Board named three reserve players: Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal, and Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Source: Afghanistan Cricket Board announcement via CricTracker.