Afghanistan have handed Ibrahim Zadran the responsibility of leading the national team in T20Is, with the opener set to begin his tenure as full-time captain during the upcoming three-match series against India. The assignment marks an important step in Zadran’s international career as Afghanistan prepare to face a strong Indian side in New Delhi.
The three matches will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium between September 13 and 17. The series has been designated as Afghanistan’s home series, adding significance to the contest despite all three games being staged in India.
Naveen-ul-Haq returns after injury
One of the biggest boosts for Afghanistan comes in the form of Naveen-ul-Haq‘s return to the squad. The fast bowler has recovered from a stress fracture in his right shoulder, an injury that kept him out of Afghanistan’s T20I series against the West Indies as well as the 2026 T20 World Cup. Naveen’s comeback gives Afghanistan another experienced option in the pace department. He will join Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Azmatullah Omarzai, giving the team a varied attack capable of challenging India’s batting lineup. His return also provides Afghanistan with greater flexibility in the death overs, where his ability to bowl under pressure could prove particularly valuable.
Experienced core retained
Afghanistan have opted for a strong squad that blends established international names with emerging talent. Gulbadin Naib is back in the setup, offering additional experience in the middle order as well as another useful bowling option. The spin department remains one of Afghanistan’s biggest strengths. Rashid Khan will spearhead the attack alongside Noor Ahmad and Nangyal Kharoti. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi also remains part of the squad, bringing years of international experience and valuable balance to the team. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is expected to remain an important figure at the top of the order, while Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli provide further batting options.
Noor Rahman earns maiden call-up
Another notable inclusion is uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman. The youngster has been rewarded for his performances in domestic cricket, the Shpageeza Cricket League and at A-team level. Rahman has been selected as the second wicketkeeper behind Gurbaz, giving Afghanistan additional depth in the position and an opportunity to assess a promising player against high-quality opposition.
With a mixture of experienced campaigners and rising stars, Afghanistan will hope the squad can make a strong statement against India. For Zadran, meanwhile, the series represents his first major opportunity to establish himself as the long-term leader of Afghanistan’s T20I side.
Afghanistan squad for India T20I series: 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
