T20 World Cup 2026: Rashid Khan Leads Afghanistan, Mujeeb, Farooqi Return to Squad

Afghanistan have taken a confident step toward the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, announcing a potent 15-member squad anchored by their star spinner Rashid Khan as captain. The team’s lineup reflects a balanced mix of spin, pace and experience, signalling their intent to build on a remarkable global tournament run and challenge the world’s best in the marquee event to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February and March 2026.

Rashid Khan’s leadership will be central to Afghanistan’s campaign. Already one of the most revered bowlers in T20 cricket, Rashid’s tactical acumen and wicket-taking ability provide the foundation for a side eager to make deep inroads on the world stage. Under his captaincy, Afghanistan reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, marking the best performance in their history and inspiring belief that they can once again upset the established hierarchy.

The squad boasts a formidable spin battery, headed by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, whose inclusion emphasized Afghanistan’s reliance on mystery spin to trouble batsmen in the middle overs. Mujeeb’s presence pushes experienced domestic option AM Ghazanfar to reserve status but enriches the team’s tactical variety particularly in Asian conditions likely to favour spin.

Pace bowling has also been bolstered with the return of Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq. Farooqi’s left-arm pace brings control and bounce that can destabilize top orders, while Naveen’s comeback from shoulder injury strengthens Afghanistan’s fast-bowling depth, offering both early breakthroughs and death-over penetration. Both players have been key figures in previous T20I campaigns and franchise circuits, adding balance to the attack.

The squad’s batting lineup features a blend of experience and emerging talent. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz provide a dynamic opening combo capable of setting explosive tempos or stabilizing starts in challenging conditions. Middle-order options like Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib add depth with their all-round abilities, ensuring Afghanistan can flex their batting strategy depending on match situations, a critical factor in T20 cricket where momentum shifts quickly.

Afghanistan will begin their T20 World Cup journey in Group D, placed alongside formidable sides such as New Zealand, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Canada. Their opening match against New Zealand in Chennai on February 8, 2026, promises a stern test for the Afghan lineup, particularly their bowling attack in subcontinental conditions that often challenge visiting teams.

Preparation for the World Cup includes a three-match T20I series against the West Indies in the UAE from January 19 to 22, 2026. This series will be crucial for Afghanistan to fine-tune combinations, assess conditions, and build momentum ahead of the global stage. The team’s leadership has emphasized the importance of this preparatory phase to adapt strategies and sharpen execution.

Afghanistan’s 2026 squad selection highlights a blend of continuity and strategic reinforcement. With a core of experienced performers complemented by players returning from injury, they aim to balance aggression with tactical nuance. Rashid Khan’s stewardship, backed by influential performers in both bowling and batting departments, suggests that Afghanistan are not merely participants they are contenders capable of challenging for honours in what promises to be one of the most competitive editions of the T20 World Cup.