Ibrahim Zadran to captain Afghanistan in New Delhi T20I series; Naveen-ul-Haq returns

Ibrahim Zadran has been named Afghanistan's T20I captain for the three-match series against India at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi from September 13 to 17, his first assignment as the team's full-time T20I skipper. Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been recalled after recovering from a stress fracture in his right shoulder, an injury that ruled him out of Afghanistan's T20I series against the West Indies and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board described the selection as a full-strength squad for what has been designated Afghanistan's home series against India. Experienced all-rounder Gulbadin Naib returns to add depth to the middle order and provide another bowling option, while senior all-rounder Mohammad Nabi is included to supply experience and balance to the side. The appointment hands Zadran leadership responsibilities in the shortest format for the coming assignment.

Naveen-ul-Haq's inclusion strengthens Afghanistan's pace resources alongside Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai. Those seamers form the principal fast-bowling group named for the New Delhi matches. Gulbadin Naib supplements the seam options with his all-round skills.

Rashid Khan is designated to lead an experienced spin attack that also includes Noor Ahmad and Nangyal Kharoti. Mujeeb Ur Rahman is also part of the spin contingent named in the squad. Mohammad Nabi's all-round role provides an additional spin-bowling and batting option.

Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman has been selected as the second wicketkeeper alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz following his performances in domestic cricket, the Shpageeza Cricket League and at A-team level. The board has added a mix of established names and returning players to the squad list.

AFGHANISTAN SQUAD FOR INDIA SERIES: Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Noor Rahman (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Naveen-ul-Haq. RESERVES: Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal, Fareed Ahmad Malik. All three matches will be played in New Delhi.

ACB CEO Naseeb Khan said the board had focused on selecting a well-balanced squad for the series against India. "The Afghanistan Cricket Board has always made every effort to select a well-balanced and fully prepared squad for all relevant competitions. We have followed the same approach for the upcoming series against India, and I hope the Afghanistan team will deliver an outstanding performance in these matches," he said. The Afghanistan team will travel to India soon for training and final preparations ahead of the series.