The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has named Ibrahim Zadran as the new captain of Afghanistan’s T20 International (T20I) squad, replacing Rashid Khan prior to the forthcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. This change comes after Afghanistan’s early elimination from the group phase of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with Zadran, formerly the vice-captain, entrusted to lead the team in the upcoming matches.
Insights into Leadership Transition from ACB Selector
On Thursday, Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, the chief selector of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, revealed the rationale behind the captaincy switch. He acknowledged Rashid Khan’s influential stint leading the side, particularly highlighting the team’s impressive performance reaching the semi-finals in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Rashid Khan’s tenure as the T20I captain brought immense success to the team, particularly highlighted by the team’s remarkable journey in the 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup, where we reached the semi-finals,
Sulimankhil said in a statement.
He further explained that this decision aligns with the ACB’s strategic long-term objectives and follows recent adjustments within the team management, including the appointment of a new head coach.
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 also pointed out that Ibrahim Zadran’s role as deputy captain made him the favored choice to assume full leadership responsibilities.
Ibrahim Zadran, who has served as Rashid Khan’s deputy, will assume the role of 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.
Comprehensive Overhaul of Squad for Sri Lanka White-Ball Series
Alongside the change in captaincy, the selection committee made several alterations to the squad for the upcoming matches. Fazalhaq Farooqi, a left-arm fast bowler, all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq, all members of the T20 World Cup outfit, have been excluded from both T20I and ODI squads.
In their place, wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman and left-arm spin all-rounder Sharafuddin Ashraf have been called up for the T20I series. Additionally, left-arm pacer Fareed Ahmad Malik has been included in both T20I and ODI squads, marking a return to white-ball cricket.
This series also marks the ODI debut for fast bowler Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, who has earned his first selection in the 50-over side. Experienced pacer Bilal Sami, fresh from a five-wicket haul in his recent ODI outing, retains his ODI spot and has been named among T20I reserves.
Furthermore, Nangyal Kharoti and Ijaz Ahmadzai feature as T20I reserves, while Qais Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Bashir Ahmad have been named in the ODI reserves.
New Leadership Era Under Head Coach Richard Pybus
The series against Sri Lanka will offer a fresh start under the guidance of Afghanistan’s newly appointed head coach, Richard Pybus. Sulimankhil expressed optimism about the team’s prospects under this revamped structure and emphasized the focus on grooming a strong and competitive squad for future global tournaments.
In addition, our long-term goal is to adequately prepare the team for the upcoming two World Cup events. We are hopeful that, under this new leadership, the National Team will not only flourish but also showcase outstanding performances and build a strong and competitive bench strength for the crucial challenges that lie ahead,
he stated.
Detailed Schedule for Sri Lanka Series in March
Afghanistan’s T20I series against Sri Lanka will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium with matches scheduled on March 13, 15, and 17. Following the T20Is, the teams will compete in a three-match ODI series, hosted at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 20, 22, and 25.
Confirmed Players for the Afghanistan T20I Squad
The T20I squad led by Ibrahim Zadran includes wicketkeepers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Noor Rahman, along with all-rounders and specialist bowlers such as Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Fareed Ahmad Malik. Rashid Khan remains part of the squad, now as a player rather than captain. The squad list is as follows:
Ibrahim Zadran (captain), 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 for the T20I side include Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami, and Ijaz Ahmadzai.
Squad Composition for the Afghanistan ODI Side
The ODI team will be captained by Hashmatullah Shahidi with Rahmat Shah as his deputy. The side includes experienced players and emerging talent, reflecting a mix aimed at counting on reliability and fresh energy. The squad is:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmat Shah (vice-captain), 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.
Reserves for the ODI squad feature Qais Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Bashir Ahmad.
Impact and Expectations as Afghanistan Prepares for Upcoming Challenges
The transition in leadership, accompanied by the fresh coaching approach under Richard Pybus, signals a period of rebuilding and strategic planning for Afghanistan cricket. With the Rashid Khan captaincy change, the team aims to nurture new leadership dynamics while maintaining a core of experienced players. The squad revisions reflect a careful balance between continuity and innovation, catering for both immediate competitiveness and long-term development.
The upcoming Sri Lanka series will serve as a first examination of how well these changes have been integrated, while also setting the tone ahead of larger global tournaments. Fans and analysts alike will closely watch Ibrahim Zadran’s captaincy and the performances of reintroduced and emerging players to gauge Afghanistan’s readiness for future international challenges.
🚨 SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT ALERT! 🚨
Here are our squads for the upcoming White Ball Series against Sri Lanka. 👍
Read More: https://t.co/2y6o5AfgF5 pic.twitter.com/QKcz0FGoVp
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) March 5, 2026
