Afghanistan Squad Announced for India T20 Series, Ibrahim Zadran Named Captain; Naveen-ul-Haq Returns

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Monday, August 24, 2026, announced a formidable 15-member squad for the much-anticipated three-match T20 International series against India. The series, which marks a significant bilateral engagement, will see Ibrahim Zadran lead the Afghan side in his inaugural full-time capacity as T20I captain. The matches are slated to take place at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi between September 13 and 17, 2026. Afghanistan Squad for Asian Games 2026 Announced, Darwish Rasooli Named Captain; Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz Not Included.

Squad Highlights and Key Inclusions

The squad, a strategic mix of seasoned players and promising youngsters, welcomes back pace spearhead Naveen-ul-Haq, who returns after recovering from a stress fracture in his right shoulder. His inclusion is a significant boost to Afghanistan's fast-bowling arsenal, which also features Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai. Gulbadin Naib is another notable returnee, bolstering the middle order and offering an additional bowling option.

Adding fresh talent to the national setup, uncapped wicketkeeper Noor Rahman has earned a spot following impressive displays in domestic competitions and the Shpageeza Cricket League. He will serve as the second wicketkeeper, alongside the primary choice, Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The spin department remains formidable with stars like Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Nangyal Kharoti, and the experienced Mohammad Nabi, complemented by Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli provide depth in the middle order.

"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," stated ACB's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Naseeb Khan. He further added, "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."

Three reserve players — Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal, and Fareed Ahmad Malik — have also been named to provide additional cover.

Afghanistan Squad for T20I Series vs 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

Series Schedule and Venue

While Afghanistan will officially host the series, all three matches will be played in India at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi. The schedule for the series is as follows:

Match timings are yet to be officially announced.

Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Historically, India has dominated the T20I encounters against Afghanistan. Their head-to-head record stands as follows:

• Matches Played: 8
• India Won: 6
• Afghanistan Won: 0
• Tied: 1 (India won Super Over)
• No Result: 1

Where to Watch

Cricket enthusiasts in India can catch all the live action of the Afghanistan vs India T20I series on the Sony Sports Network for television broadcast. For digital streaming, FanCode holds the exclusive rights and will stream the matches live via its app and website. Dhruv Jurel Shows Off ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan’ Tattoo After Scoring Century in IND vs SL 2nd Test 2026.

With a strong squad, the upcoming T20I series between Afghanistan and India promises to be an electrifying contest for cricket fans worldwide.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 24, 2026 05:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).