The Kabul Tribune (KT)— Afghanistan has announced its squad for a three-match Twenty20 international series against India, with matches scheduled for Sept. 13, 15 and 17 at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.
Ibrahim Zadran will captain Afghanistan, taking charge of
the team for the first time as its full-time T20I captain.
Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq returns to the national team after
recovering from a stress fracture in his right shoulder. The injury kept him
out of Afghanistan’s T20I series against the West Indies and the 2026 ICC Men’s
T20 World Cup.
Naveen joins Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and
all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai in a pace attack that combines experience and
variety.
Experienced all-rounder Gulbadin Naib has also returned to
the squad. He is expected to strengthen the middle order while providing
another bowling option. Naib has a strong record against India in T20Is,
averaging 44.75 at a strike rate of 130.65.
Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman has been selected
as the second-choice wicketkeeper following strong performances in domestic
cricket and the Shpageeza Cricket League.
Afghanistan’s spin options include Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad,
Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Nangyal Kharoti. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi adds
further experience and balance to the squad.
Naseeb Khan, chief executive of the Afghanistan Cricket
Board, said the board had sought to select a balanced and well-prepared squad
for the series.
“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,” Khan said.
Afghanistan squad
Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper),
Noor Rahman (wicketkeeper), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai,
Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb
Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Naveen-ul-Haq.
All three matches will be played at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New
Delhi.
