The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s National Selection Committee has finalized the Afghanistan squad for the 20th Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 24 to October 3, 2026.
Darwish Rasooli has been named captain of the 15-member squad as Afghanistan look to make a strong impression at the continental multi-sport event.
Rasooli has previously led the Afghan side and brings valuable leadership experience to a squad that combines emerging talent with players who have already featured prominently in Afghanistan’s domestic and representative cricket.
Wicketkeeper-batter Ishaq Rahimi, Hassan Eisakhil, Mohammad Akram, Imran Mir and Khalid Taniwal are among the players selected for the Asian Games campaign. The squad also includes Faisal Shinozada, Najib Zadran and Farmanullah Safi, giving Afghanistan a blend of batting options and versatile players across the middle order.
All-rounder Karim Janat is another experienced name in the group, while Ismat Alam and Nangyal Kharoti add further depth to the squad. Arab Gul, Faridoon Dawoodzai and Abdullah Ahmadzai complete the 15-member selection alongside captain Rasooli.
Several members of the squad have already been involved in Afghanistan’s A-team programmes. The likes of Imran Mir, Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal, Faisal Shinozada, Farmanullah Safi, Faridoon Dawoodzai and Abdullah Ahmadzai featured in the Afghan squad for the 2026 tri-nation series involving India A and Sri Lanka A.
Afghanistan Squad for Asian Games 2026
Darwish Rasooli (Captain), Ishaq Rahimi (WK), Hassan Eisakhil, Mohammad Akram, Imran Mir, Khalid Taniwal, Faisal Shinozada, Najib Zadran, Farmanullah Safi, Karim Janat, Ismat Alam, Nangyal Kharoti, Arab Gul, Faridoon Dawoodzai and Abdullah Ahmadzai.