Rashid Khan will once again lead Afghanistan at a men’s T20 World Cup, with the selectors naming a 15-strong squad for next year’s event in India and Sri Lanka. The same group will tune up by facing West Indies in three T20 internationals in the UAE from 19-22 January.
Left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi and off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman both return after missing the October tour of Bangladesh. Their inclusion means teenage mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar drops into the reserve list, joined by quick Ijaz Ahmadzai and leg-spinner Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi. Right-arm seamer Naveen-ul-Haq is also back, having recovered from the shoulder injury that ruled him out of September’s Asia Cup.
Afghanistan’s core remains familiar. Rashid captains, Ibrahim Zadran continues as vice-captain, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz keeps wicket alongside the emerging Mohammad Ishaq. Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib offer all-round options, while left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad retains his place after an impressive 2024 campaign.
The side arrive with genuine belief after reaching the semi-finals at the 2024 T20 World Cup, beating New Zealand, West Indies, Australia and Bangladesh along the way – their deepest run at a global ICC event.
“Afghanistan had a terrific run in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup. We cherish excellent memories from the past, and hope for even better results this year, which will be played in Asian conditions,” Afghanistan Cricket Board chief executive Naseeb Khan said. “Hosting the West Indies team provides us with an incredible opportunity to fine-tune our combination, and prepare adequately for the World Cup.”
The fixture list looks demanding. Afghanistan have landed in Group D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, UAE and Canada. They open against the Black Caps on 8 February in Chennai, a ground likely to suit their spin-heavy attack yet still demanding accurate death-bowling – areas Farooqi and Naveen are expected to cover.
Selection notes
• Farooqi’s left-arm angle offers variety in a pace unit otherwise reliant on right-armers.
• Mujeeb’s powerplay off-spin provides wickets up front and control in middle overs; his economy of 6.3 in T20Is since 2023 underlines his value.
• Ghazanfar’s demotion to standby status keeps Afghanistan’s “mystery spin” option close at hand without crowding the main XI.
Squad in full
Rashid Khan (capt), Ibrahim Zadran (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai
Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi
With just six weeks until their opening match, Afghanistan’s blend of wrist-spin, youthful pace and hard-hitting top order looks settled. Whether it can deliver a second straight semi-final—or more—will soon be put to the test.
