Afghanistan have announced a strong 15-member squad for their three-match T20I series against India, with Ibrahim Zadran handed the captaincy for the first time in the shortest format.
The series will be played in India, with all three matches scheduled to take place at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on 13, 15 and 17 September. The Afghanistan Cricket Board announced the squad on Monday, 14 August, as the side prepares for a demanding assignment against one of the strongest teams in international cricket.
Zadran’s appointment marks a new chapter in Afghanistan’s T20I leadership. The top-order batter will be expected to combine his responsibilities with his role as a key contributor with the bat. His leadership will be closely watched as Afghanistan seek to challenge India on home soil.
The squad also receives a major boost with the return of fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq. The right-arm paceman had been sidelined for several months with a right shoulder injury and missed the most recent T20 World Cup because of the problem. His return strengthens an already capable pace attack featuring Fazalhaq Farooqi and Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Afghanistan have also retained considerable experience in their squad. Rashid Khan remains the leading figure in the spin department, while veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi brings considerable international experience. Gulbadin Naib has also returned to the squad, adding another experienced all-round option.
The spin department is further strengthened by Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Nangeyalia Kharote. Afghanistan have traditionally relied heavily on their spinners in T20 cricket, and their ability to control the middle overs could prove particularly important against India’s powerful batting line-up.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the first-choice wicketkeeper, with Noor Ahmad named as the other wicketkeeping option. Gurbaz’s ability to provide a fast start at the top of the order will be one of Afghanistan’s key weapons.
Azmatullah Omarzai is another important component of the squad. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives Afghanistan additional flexibility when selecting their playing XI. Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli add further batting options.
Naseeb Khan, chief executive officer of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, said the selectors had focused on maintaining balance throughout the squad. The selection process considered the team’s batting and bowling resources, the combination of pace and spin, and the need to blend experienced players with younger talent.
For Zadran, the series will be an important test of his leadership against a formidable opponent. Afghanistan will also hope that the return of Naveen-ul-Haq and the presence of established players such as Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi can provide stability in key moments.
The three matches in Delhi will give Afghanistan an opportunity to test their depth and adaptability in challenging conditions. India, meanwhile, will be expected to make full use of home advantage, setting up an intriguing contest between two sides with contrasting strengths.
Afghanistan squad
Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Noor Rahman (wicketkeeper), Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Noor Ahmad and Nangeyalia Kharote.
