Afghanistan have announced their squad for the 2026 Asian Games, with Darwish Rasooli set to lead a youthful 15-member side in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The men’s cricket competition will be held from September 24 to October 3, with the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s National Selection Committee opting to give opportunities to several emerging players from the domestic circuit.
The squad has been selected largely on the back of performances in the recently concluded 11th edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League, while several players who have represented Afghanistan A have also been rewarded for their progress. Regular captain Rashid Khan, along with established names such as Rahmanullah Gurbaz, have not been included in the Asian Games squad.
Darwish Rasooli to lead Afghanistan at Asian Games 2026
The biggest announcement from Afghanistan’s squad is the appointment of Rasooli as captain. The batter has previously led Afghanistan and brings leadership experience to a side featuring several players looking to establish themselves at the international level. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq has been named in the squad, while Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal and Imran Mir are among the other young players selected.
The team also includes experienced campaigners such as Najibullah Zadran and Karim Janat, giving Rasooli a useful blend of youth and experience. Afghanistan will be aiming to make a strong impression in Japan, with the tournament providing valuable exposure to a number of players who have been involved in the country’s domestic and A-team programmes.
Youngsters rewarded for impressive Shpageeza Cricket League campaigns
Several players have earned their places after impressive campaigns in the recently concluded Shpageeza Cricket League. Akram was one of the standout performers, scoring 339 runs in eight innings, including a century and two half-centuries. All-rounder Ismat Alam also received a reward for his impressive campaign after contributing 294 runs and taking nine wickets. His performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award in the Shpageeza Cricket League and helped secure his place in Afghanistan’s Asian Games squad.
A number of other members have already gained experience through Afghanistan’s A-team setup. With Rashid, Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai among the notable absentees, the Asian Games campaign will provide Afghanistan with an opportunity to assess their emerging talent while giving several players a chance to make a stronger case for future senior-team selection.
Afghanistan squad for Asian Games 2026: Darwish Rasooli (c), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal, Imran Mir, Faisal Khan Shinozada, Najibullah Zadran, Farmanullah Safi, Ismat Alam, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Arab Gul Momand, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Abdullah Ahmadzai
