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Afghanistan announce squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

KABUL: Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Wednesday announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Rashid Khan as captain.

The selected squad will also take part in the T20I series against West Indies, scheduled to begin on January 19, 2026, providing Afghanistan with a crucial opportunity to fine-tune combinations ahead of the World Cup.

The headline inclusions in the squad are the returning Gulbadin Naib and fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq.

Naib’s recall adds experience and balance to the middle order, while Naveen makes his comeback after recovering from a shoulder injury, strengthening Afghanistan’s pace attack.

Fazalhaq Farooqi, who missed the recent Bangladesh series, has also been included, further bolstering the fast-bowling resources.

Another notable change sees Mujeeb Ur Rahman reclaiming his place in the main squad, replacing young spinner AM Ghazanfar, who has been named among the reserves.

ACB chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil described the selection process as challenging but necessary.

“Gulbadin Naib is a big-match player, and his return adds depth to our squad,” Sulimankhil said.

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“We are also pleased to have Naveen-ul-Haq back, which improves the quality of our fast bowling. Leaving AM Ghazanfar out of the main squad was a difficult decision, but Mujeeb’s experience played a key role.”

Afghanistan have been drawn in Group D of the tournament, alongside New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the UAE. Rashid Khan’s side will begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai.

The team will be looking to build on their historic run in the 2024 edition, where Afghanistan reached the semi-finals for the first time in an ICC event.

During that campaign, they registered landmark victories over higher-ranked sides including New Zealand, West Indies, Australia and Bangladesh.

ACB CEO Naseeb Khan expressed optimism ahead of the tournament, particularly given the Asian conditions.

“We had a terrific run in the previous T20 World Cup and cherish those memories,” he said.

“This year’s tournament will be played in conditions familiar to our players, and hosting West Indies before the event gives us an excellent chance to prepare and finalise our best combination.”

Afghanistan squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, 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.

Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.

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Pakistan U19 to begin tri-series campaign against Afghanistan

HARARE: Pakistan, the champions of the ACC U19 Asia Cup, will take on Afghanistan in their opening match of the tri-series on Saturday here at the Harare Sports Club.

Pakistan clinched the eight-team ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Dubai after defeating India by 191 runs in the final in Dubai on 21 December.

The side will play a minimum of four matches in the 50-over tri-series, which also includes hosts Zimbabwe.

Pakistan will face Zimbabwe at the Prince Edward School in Harare on 29 December, followed by their second encounter against Afghanistan at the Sunrise Sports Club in Harare on 2 January.

Pakistan will then take on the hosts again on Sunday, 4 January.

The top two teams of the tournament will contest the final on Tuesday, 6 January.

The tri-series provides a valuable opportunity for all three sides to prepare for the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, scheduled to be played in Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February.

Pakistan are placed in Group C and will play their group-stage matches in Harare from 16 to 22 January.

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The Super Six stage will take place from 25 January to 1 February, followed by the semi-finals on 3 and 4 February.

The final of the 16-team tournament will be played at the Harare Sports Club on 6 February.

Pakistan held their first training session on Friday ahead of their first match.

“The Asia Cup was a good win for us, and the players showed great morale and intensity. The players are confident and excited as we head into the tri-series,” said Pakistan U19 captain Farhan Yousaf.

“The tri-series is very important for the players and will help us find the right combinations ahead of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup.

“The conditions here are similar and will be beneficial for our World Cup preparations.

“Both teams in the tournament are strong and competitive, and we respect every opposition as we look forward to a competitive event.”

Pakistan U19 squad: Farhan Yousaf (c), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas and Umar Zaib

Non-travelling reserves: Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Mohammad Huzaifa

Tri-series Pakistan fixtures:

27 December – Afghanistan v Pakistan, Harare Sports Club
29 December – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Prince Edward
2 January – Pakistan v Afghanistan, Sunrise Sports Club
4 January – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Old Hararians Sports Club
ICC U19 World Cup Pakistan fixtures:
16 January – Pakistan v England, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
19 January – Pakistan v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
22 January – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
24 January to 1 February – Super 6 matches
3 February – First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
4 February – Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
6 February – Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare

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Afghanistan set to host West Indies for T20I series

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed that it will host the West Indies for a three-match T20I series, which will take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from January 19, 2026.

The second and third T20Is will be played on January 21 and 22.

The shorter format series will serve as a preparatory ground for both teams ahead of the ICC 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India.

Following the announcement, ACB CEO Naseeb Khan shed light on the decision to play the West Indies ahead of the mega event.

“Competing against the West Indies on the brink of a global event presents an excellent opportunity for our team to finalize their lineup and enhance their preparations for the upcoming mega event in India and Sri Lanka,” he said.

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“We have been closely monitoring the team’s preparation process, and facing a quality West Indies side offers an ideal platform for their buildup.”

He further emphasized the conditions in India and Sri Lanka and tipped the series as a platform to bolster preparations for the World Cup

“This series provides an ideal platform for our preparation. Facing strong opposition in subcontinental conditions will help us sharpen our combinations and approach, and it also gives our players a chance to build confidence on surfaces similar to those we’ll encounter in India and Sri Lanka.”

Meanwhile, Cricket West Indies’ director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, also shared his thoughts on the three-match series.

Afghanistan-West Indies T20I Series Schedule:

Monday, January 19 – 1st T20I – UAE
Wednesday, January 21 – 2nd T20I – UAE
Thursday, January 22 – 3rd T20I – UAE

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Rashid, Zadran hand Afghanistan T20I series win over Zimbabwe

Spinner Rashid Khan and batter Ibrahim Zadran starred as Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by seven wickets on Friday to clinch a three-match Twenty20 series with a game to spare.

Zimbabwe won the toss, batted, and were all out for 125 at Harare Sports Club. Afghanistan then reached 129-3 with 12 balls remaining.

After suffering a heavy loss in a one-off Test, the tourists had won the first T20 by 53 runs on Wednesday. The dead rubber T20 will be played on Sunday.

Khan took 3-9, including the wicket of rival captain Sikandar Raza, who top-scored for Zimbabwe with 37 off 32 balls, including four fours.

Raza was caught and bowled as he struggled to deal with a delivery aimed at off stump, striking the ball straight to the 27-year-old Afghan skipper.

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Khan struck again three balls later in the 16th over, as his googly led to Tashinga Musekiwa (13) being caught by Mohammad Nabi at long on.

The 24-run sixth-wicket partnership of Raza and Musekiwa was the best for Zimbabwe, who struggled after the failures of top-order pair Dion Myers (six) and Brendan Taylor (three).

Brad Evans (12) was Khan’s other victim, trapped leg before as he attempted a sweep with Zimbabwe desperately seeking runs late in the innings.

For the second straight T20, Zadran top-scored for Afghanistan, hitting an unbeaten 57 for his 12th T20 half-century after 52 runs on Wednesday. His 51-ball stand included seven fours.

It was left to fourth-wicket partner Azmatullah Omarzai to hit the match and series-winning four past long off.

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Mujeeb, Azmatullah power Afghanistan to victory over Zimbabwe

Spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman took four wickets and quick Azmatullah Omarzai three as Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by 53 runs on Wednesday to take a 1-0 lead in a three-match Twenty20 series.

The tourists won the toss at Harare Sports Club, opted to bat and posted 180-6 with openers Ibrahim Zadran (52) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (39) the chief contributors.

Zimbabwe plunged to 30-5 after five overs in reply and were all out for 127 with lower-order Tinotenda Maposa (32) the top scorer.

Gurbaz hit a six and six fours as he put on 76 runs with Zadran for the first wicket before a top edge off a Sikandar Raza delivery saw him caught in the covers by Tadiwanashe Marumani.

A poor stroke from Zadran led to a catch by Ryan Burl at deep mid-wicket after a 33-ball knock that included a six and six fours.

The off-spin of 39-year-old captain Raza brought him 3-20, and quick Blessing Muzarabani took 2-41 for the home side.

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An Afghan assault saw three of the first five Zimbabwe batters out for ducks and another for one. Opener Brian Bennett (24) was the exception, striking a six and three fours off 15 balls.

Chasing a lost cause, Brad Evans (24) and Maposa offered resistance before becoming victims of Mujeeb (4-20).

Omarzai (3-29) had inflicted considerable damage earlier, capturing the wickets of Bennett and Raza (one).

The teams meet again on Friday and Sunday as they prepare for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next February and March.

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Graeme Cremer returns to Zimbabwe squad after seven-year hiatus

Former Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer will wear the national colors again after nearly seven years, as he has been recalled for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, starting October 29 in Harare.

Cremer, who last represented Zimbabwe in 2018, had stepped away from cricket to pursue a professional career in golf and relocated to the UAE, where his wife works as an airline pilot.

However, the veteran spinner recently returned home and reignited his cricketing ambitions through local club competitions, a move that has now paved the way for his international comeback.

The Zimbabwe selectors have rewarded Cremer’s persistence, drafting him into a largely unchanged 15-member squad that went unbeaten through the ICC Africa Regional Qualifiers earlier this year.

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He replaces fast bowler Trevor Gwandu in the lineup, as Zimbabwe continue preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

All-rounder Sean Williams remains unavailable due to personal reasons, Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed.

The series against Afghanistan will be played entirely at the Harare Sports Club, which also hosted the one-off Test earlier in the tour.

The T20Is are scheduled for October 29, 31, and November 2.

Zimbabwe squad for Afghanistan T20Is

Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Brad Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor.

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Afghanistan fined for slow over-rate in Zimbabwe Test

DUBAI: Afghanistan have been fined 25 percent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate during the one-off Test against Zimbabwe in Harare, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Thursday.

The sanction was imposed by Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees after Afghanistan were found to be five overs short of their target, even after taking allowances into account.

According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, players are fined five percent of their match fee for each over their side fails to bowl within the allotted time.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Adrian Holdstock and Nitin Menon, with Forster Mutizwa serving as third umpire and Percival Sizara as fourth.

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Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi accepted the sanction, which means no formal hearing was required.

The match itself ended on a high note for Zimbabwe, who recorded their first home Test victory in over a decade, their first since 2013, defeating Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs.

It was a comprehensive all-round display from the hosts, marking a memorable return to red-ball success.

Following the Test, the two sides will now turn their attention to the T20I series, with three matches scheduled at the same venue from October 29 to November 2.

Historically, Afghanistan have dominated Zimbabwe in the shortest format, winning 16 of their 18 encounters, while Zimbabwe have managed just two victories.

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Zimbabwe crush Afghanistan to seal rare innings win

Zimbabwe won a Test by an innings for only the third time when they defeated Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, with two days to spare.

Afghanistan batted after Zimbabwe won the toss and were all out for 127. Zimbabwe made 359 in reply, with Ben Curran hitting a maiden century, giving the hosts a 232-run first innings lead.

Curran won the player of the match award for his 121 runs, which swung the one-off Test decisively in favour of the hosts on the second day.

The tourists’ batters struggled again in their second innings and were dismissed for 159, with only Ibrahim Zadran (42) and middle-order Bahir Shah (32) having some success.

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Brad Evans took five wickets in the first Afghan innings, and the second time round it was the turn of Richard Ngarava (5-37) to sparkle as the quick claimed his first Test five-for.

Zimbabwe beat Pakistan by an innings in 1995 in Harare and repeated the feat against Bangladesh six years later in Bulawayo.

It was the first Test victory by Zimbabwe in Harare since 2013, when they beat Pakistan by 24 runs in a thriller.

The sole positive for Afghanistan, who beat Zimbabwe 1-0 in a two-Test series last January, was the performance of debutant seamer Ziaur Rahman, who captured seven wickets.

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PCB confirms tri-Series will go ahead despite Afghanistan withdrawal

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the upcoming home T20I tri-series will go ahead as planned, despite the withdrawal of Afghanistan following cross-border tensions.

A PCB spokesperson told a local news channel on Saturday that the series, scheduled from November 17 to 29, will proceed according to the original timeline.

The board is currently exploring options to bring in a replacement team, with a final announcement expected soon.

According to sources, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has been approached as a potential participant to fill the void left by Afghanistan.

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The series was originally set to feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.

The withdrawal from Afghanistan came late on Friday, reportedly in response to recent cross-border unrest that resulted in the deaths of three local cricketers in the Urgun district.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) stated that the players had travelled from Urgun to Sharana, in Paktika province near the Pakistan border, to take part in a friendly match when the attack occurred.

Despite the setback, the PCB remains committed to hosting the series and ensuring uninterrupted international cricket at home.

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Bangladesh team receive hostile reception after Afghanistan whitewash

DHAKA: Bangladesh cricket team players received a hostile reception at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport following their whitewash against Afghanistan in the three-match ODI series, which concluded on October 14, 2025.

Afghanistan, for the first time, clean-swept an Asian Side during the ODI series played at the United Arab Emirates.

Bangladesh, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, were completely outplayed in the series, losing by five wickets, 80 runs, and 200 runs in the three matches, respectively.

Following the team’s return, the players were booed at the airport, and their vehicles were also attacked, according to Bangladesh player Naim Shaikh, who took to social media and penned down an emotional note.

“We who take the field, we don’t just play – we carry the name of our country on our chest. The red and green flag isn’t just on our bodies; it’s in our blood. With every ball, every run, every breath, we strive to make that flag proud,” he wrote.

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“Yes, sometimes we succeed, sometimes we don’t. Victory comes, defeat comes – that’s the reality of sports. We know that when we lose, it hurts you, angers you – because you love this country just as much as we do.

He further revealed the situation they had faced during their reception at the airport.

“But the way hate was directed at us today, the attacks on our vehicles, that truly hurts. We are humans; we make mistakes, but we never lack love or effort for our country. Every moment, we try for the country, for the people, to bring a smile to your faces.

“We want love, not hate. Let criticism come with reason, not anger. Because we are all children of the same flag. Whether we win or lose – may the red and green always be a source of pride for all of us, not anger.

“We will fight, and we will rise again – for the country, for you, for this flag,” Naim Shaikh concluded.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has urged players to refrain from using social media to respond to critics.

Simmons, ahead of the West Indies series, shed light on the matter and said that the players in an individual capacity are allowed to express their views; however, they should avoid doing so as a Bangladesh player.

“It is your right as a person to be on social media, to say what you want on social media. But as an international player, as a national player for Bangladesh, my players should not be on there,” Phil Simmons said.

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