Ibrahim Zadran was on Monday appointed Afghanistan’s captain for the upcoming three-match T20I series against India, taking charge as the team’s full-time skipper for the first time.
The series will be played at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium from September 13 to 17 and has been designated as Afghanistan’s “home series”.
Afghanistan have named a full-strength squad, with veteran fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq returning after recovering from a stress fracture in his right shoulder.
Naveen Returns After Injury
Naveen was sidelined for Afghanistan’s T20I series against the West Indies and the 2026 T20 World Cup because of his shoulder injury.
His return strengthens a pace attack that also includes Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai.
Experienced all-rounder Gulbadin Naib has also returned, giving Afghanistan additional depth in the middle order and another bowling option.
Rashid Leads Spin Attack
Rashid Khan will spearhead an experienced spin department featuring Noor Ahmad, Nangyal Kharoti and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Senior all-rounder Mohammad Nabi adds further experience and balance to the squad as Afghanistan prepare for a challenging series against India.
Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman has also earned a place after impressing in domestic cricket, the Shpageeza Cricket League and at A-team level.
He will provide competition for the wicketkeeping spot alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Afghanistan Target Strong Series
ACB CEO Naseeb Khan said the board had prioritised balance and preparation while selecting the squad.
“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,” he said.
The Afghanistan squad will travel to India ahead of the series to train and complete their final preparations.
Series Schedule
September 13: First T20I, New Delhi
September 15: Second T20I, New Delhi
September 17: Third T20I, New Delhi
Afghanistan squad: 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.
Reserves: Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal, Fareed Ahmad Malik.
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