Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming India vs Afghanistan three-match T20I series. The matches will take place from September 13 to 17 at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi. Ibrahim Zadran will lead Afghanistan as the team’s full-time T20I captain for the first time.
The India vs Afghanistan 2026 T20I Schedule includes three matches in Delhi. The first T20I will take place on September 13, the second on September 15 and the third on September 17. Afghanistan have picked a balanced squad with experienced players, returning stars and one uncapped player.
Afghanistan Announce Squad for India Series
The Afghanistan squad includes Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Noor Rahman, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Naveen-ul-Haq.
Afghanistan have also named three reserve players: Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal and Fareed Ahmad Malik.
The biggest news is the return of fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq. He missed the West Indies series and the 2026 T20 World Cup because of a stress fracture in his right shoulder. His return gives Afghanistan another strong pace option along with Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Azmatullah Omarzai.
Who Is New and Who Has Returned to the Squad?
Three changes stand out in the IND vs AFG T20I squad.
Naveen-ul-Haq has returned after recovering from his injury. Experienced all-rounder Gulbadin Naib has also returned. Naib can help the team with both bat and ball. He has also done well against India in T20Is, with an average of 44.75 and a strike rate of 130.65.
The other big addition is Noor Rahman. The uncapped wicketkeeper-batter has received his first national call-up after good performances in domestic cricket and the Shpageeza Cricket League. He will serve as the second-choice wicketkeeper behind Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Mohammad Ishaq and Shahidullah Kamal were part of Afghanistan’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad but are not in the main 15-member squad for this series. Shahidullah is, however, among the reserves. Afghanistan’s new combination gives Noor Rahman a chance to make his mark.
Afghanistan’s Spin Department Could Be Their Biggest Weapon
Afghanistan have many strong spin options.
Rashid Khan is the biggest name, but the team has other quality spinners too. Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Nangyal Kharoti bring different bowling styles. Mohammad Nabi can also bowl useful overs when needed.
Rashid’s experience in Indian conditions will be very important. He has played a lot of franchise cricket in India and knows how to bowl against top batters. Noor Ahmad gives Afghanistan another attacking left-arm wrist-spinner. Mujeeb can also bowl with the new ball, which gives the team more options.
Nangyal Kharoti is another left-arm spinner who has continued to improve in Afghanistan’s cricket system.
Against India, this variety could be very useful. India’s strong batting lineup means Afghanistan will need to take wickets instead of only trying to stop runs. Rashid, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb and Kharoti can create different match-ups during the middle overs.
You can follow all the updates from the IND vs AFG 2026 T20I series HERE
India Helping Afghanistan Host the Series
Another important part of the India vs Afghanistan series is the venue.
Afghanistan are officially the hosts, but all three matches will be played in India. The series is part of Afghanistan’s Future Tours Programme and will take place at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi. Afghanistan have used India as a home base for international cricket earlier as well.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board sees hosting India as an important moment for Afghan cricket. Playing against a major cricket nation shows how much Afghanistan has grown as an international team.
The series also shows the good support between the two cricket boards. Afghanistan cannot always use home venues for major international matches, so India provides a reliable place for their home games.
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India vs Afghanistan T20I Series: What to Expect
The series could bring an exciting battle between India’s strong batting lineup and Afghanistan’s powerful spin attack.
For Afghanistan, Ibrahim Zadran’s first series as full-time T20I captain will be closely watched. He will have experienced players such as Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Gulbadin Naib around him. The return of Naveen-ul-Haq also makes Afghanistan’s bowling attack stronger.
Noor Rahman’s selection is another interesting point. If he gets a chance to play, the series could be the start of his international career.
With three matches in Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17, the India vs Afghanistan 2026 T20I Schedule promises an interesting contest. Afghanistan’s strong spin attack, experienced all-rounders and returning fast bowler will test India’s batting depth.
For Afghanistan, this series is about more than three matches. It is another chance to show that they can compete with the best teams in T20I cricket and continue to build their place in international cricket.
What do you think about Afghanistan’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against India? Let us know in the comments.
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FAQs:-
(1) What is the IND vs AFG T20I head-to-head record?
A. India and Afghanistan have played 8 T20Is against each other, with India holding the advantage in their head-to-head record. They have won 7 encounters, and one game ended in a no result.
(2) Have India and Afghanistan played a Test match?
A. Yes. India and Afghanistan have played two Test matches. India won both the tests.
(3) Has India announced its squad for the India vs Afghanistan T20I series?
No. India hasn’t announced its squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.
(4) When will the India vs Afghanistan T20I series be played?
The three T20Is will be played on September 13, 15 and 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
(5) Who are the key players to watch in the series?
Rashid Khan, Ibrahim Zadran and Naveen-ul-Haq will be important for Afghanistan, while India will have several key T20I stars to watch.
