Kabul, March 5: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Thursday announced the Afghanistan national squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, with a major leadership change in the T20I setup.
Top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran has been appointed the new T20I captain, replacing star all-rounder Rashid Khan.
Zadran, who previously served as the vice-captain in the format, takes over the leadership role as part of the ACB’s long-term strategic plans ahead of major global tournaments. The decision marks a significant transition in Afghanistan’s T20I structure following Rashid Khan’s successful stint as captain.
Ibrahim Zadran Takes Over T20I Leadership
ACB Chief Selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil said the decision was made after careful consideration and aligns with the board’s long-term vision.
“Rashid Khan’s tenure as the T20I captain brought immense success to the team, particularly highlighted by our remarkable journey to the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup,” Sulimankhil said.
“In alignment with the ACB’s long-term strategic vision and following recent changes in our team management, including the appointment of a new head coach, we have made the thoughtful decision to transition the leadership within the T20I setup.”
Sulimankhil added that Zadran’s experience as vice-captain made him a natural choice to lead the team in the format.
“Ibrahim Zadran, who has served as Rashid Khan’s deputy, will assume the role as Afghanistan’s regular captain in this format. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rashid Khan for his valuable contributions and wish Ibrahim Zadran every success in this important new role.”
Several Changes In Squads For Sri Lanka Series
The selection committee also made notable changes to both squads. Fazal Haq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib, and Mohammad Ishaq, all part of Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, have been left out from both the ODI and T20I teams.
Meanwhile, Noor Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf, and Fareed Ahmad Malik have been included in the T20I squad. Fareed Ahmad Malik has also returned to the ODI side, while fast bowler Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi has received his maiden call-up to the ODI team.
Bilal Sami Retains ODI Spot After Five-Wicket Haul
Fast bowler Bilal Sami, who picked up a five-wicket haul and was named Player of the Match in his last ODI appearance, has retained his place in the ODI squad. He has also been named among the reserves for the T20I side.
Alongside Sami, Nangyal Kharoti and Ijaz Ahmadzai have been included in the T20I reserves list. For the ODI team, Qais Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Bashir Ahmad are part of the reserves pool.
Afghanistan Eye World Cup Preparations
Sulimankhil emphasised that the leadership change and squad adjustments are part of Afghanistan’s broader goal of preparing for upcoming ICC events.
“Our long-term goal is to adequately prepare the team for the upcoming two World Cup events,” he said. “We are hopeful that under this new leadership, the national team will flourish and build a strong and competitive bench strength for the challenges ahead.”
Series Plans Under Review Amid Regional Situation
The ACB also stated that it is closely monitoring the regional situation while discussing with stakeholders whether the series can proceed as originally scheduled.
Although a final decision is expected within the next few days, the board’s current approach – in coordination with relevant authorities – is to continue with the originally planned dates and venues. If necessary, alternative options for the host country and schedule will be explored.
The series will feature Etisalat Afghanistan Telecommunication Company as the title sponsor, while SuperCola remains the “powered by” sponsor and Vany continues as the official clothing partner of the Afghanistan Cricket Board.
Afghanistan T20I Squad
Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Noor Rahman (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Reserves: Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami, Ijaz Ahmadzai.
Afghanistan ODI Squad
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Bilal Sami.