Afghanistan announce squad for T20Is against India

Afghanistan have announced a 15-member squad for the three-match T20I series against India scheduled for September 13-17, 2026 at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi. Ibrahim Zadran will lead the side in what marks his first full-time assignment as Afghanistan's T20I captain. The squad balances experience with emerging talent, featuring the return of pace bowler Naveen-ul-Haq after recovering from a stress fracture in his right shoulder.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) released the squad on Monday, August 24, with the selection reflecting a well-rounded approach to the upcoming matches. Naveen-ul-Haq's recovery and return to the national setup strengthens the pace bowling department alongside Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai.

“The Afghanistan Cricket Board has always made every effort to select a well-balanced and fully prepared squad for all relevant competitions. We have followed the same approach for the upcoming series against India, and I hope the Afghanistan team will deliver an outstanding performance in these matches," ACB's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Naseeb Khan said in a statement from the cricket governing body.

“It is a great pride that Afghanistan is hosting a major cricketing nation for the first time. This reflects the progress Afghan cricket has made toward achieving its major objectives and shows that we are steadily advancing toward the strategic goals identified by the organization,” he further added.

Squad balance and selection approach

Gulbadin Naib returns to the squad for middle-order depth and provides an additional bowling option. Noor Rahman has been included as the second wicketkeeper and remains uncapped at international level. His selection follows strong performances in domestic competitions and the Shpageeza Cricket League, indicating the board's confidence in his readiness for the international stage.

Wicketkeeper options and emerging talent

The spin-bowling contingent comprises Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Nangyal Kharoti, with Mohammad Nabi providing additional experience and balance to the unit. Rahmanullah Gurbaz continues as the primary wicketkeeper. The squad also features Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli in the middle order.

Three reserve players have been named alongside the main squad: Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal and Fareed Ahmad Malik. These reserves provide additional cover and flexibility should any squad member become unavailable during the series.

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Afghanistan's squad for the T20I series against India

Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Noor Rahman (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Naveen-ul-Haq.