Afghanistan have announced a strong 15-member squad for their upcoming three-match T20I series against India, with fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq making his return to the national side. The two teams will meet in Delhi next month, with all three matches scheduled at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Naveen last played a T20I for Afghanistan in December 2024. The 26-year-old pacer has claimed 67 wickets in 48 T20I appearances and will add valuable experience to Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
Top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran has been appointed Afghanistan’s full-time T20I captain and will lead the side for the first time in a bilateral series. He will have several experienced players around him, including Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad. However, Mumbai Indians spinner Allah Ghazanfar has been left out of the squad.
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Afghanistan’s most recent T20I appearance came against the West Indies during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on February 19. Rashid Khan captained the team during the tournament, but stepped down after Afghanistan failed to progress to the Super 8 stage.
ACB Names Squad for the T20I Series against India
Kabul, August 24, 2026: Afghanistan Cricket Board’s National Selection Committee has finalized the Afghanistan National Team squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against India, scheduled to be played from September 13… pic.twitter.com/GPvqLP2rFT
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) August 24, 2026
The upcoming series against India will therefore mark the beginning of a new leadership phase under Zadran. Afghanistan will be hoping to challenge a strong Indian side and build momentum ahead of their upcoming international assignments.
The first T20I will be played on September 13, followed by the second match on September 15 and the series finale on September 17. Although all three games will be hosted in Delhi, Afghanistan will be designated as the home team.
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Afghanistan squad: Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Noor Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharotai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Abdullah Ahmadzai.
