Afghanistan have announced their squad for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, and the biggest talking point is that Afghanistan bring back Naib to strengthen their experience and balance. Along with Gulbadin Naib, fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has also returned, making this squad announcement important as Afghanistan bring back Naib with clear intent for a strong World Cup campaign.
Squad Announcement and Key Comebacks
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has named a 15-man squad for the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be led by star all-rounder Rashid Khan. The headline decision is that Afghanistan bring back Naib after his absence from recent T20I series. Gulbadin Naib’s return adds depth to the middle order and provides a reliable bowling option, something Afghanistan value highly in big tournaments. Once again, Afghanistan bring back Naib as a player trusted in pressure situations.
Naveen-ul-Haq has also been recalled after recovering from a shoulder injury. He last played a T20 international in December 2024 and has now been declared fit. His return boosts Afghanistan’s pace attack, especially on slower pitches where his variations are effective. Mohammad Ishaq, the young 20-year-old wicketkeeper, has also earned a spot after featuring in a one-off T20I against Qatar. While the focus remains that Afghanistan bring back Naib, the selectors have clearly tried to balance youth and experience.
Several players who featured in the Zimbabwe tour, including Sharafuddin Ashraf and Fareed Ahmad Malik, have been left out. This shows the team management is prioritizing proven performers for the World Cup stage.
Group Stage, Fixtures, and Preparation Plans
Afghanistan have been placed in Group D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, UAE, and Canada. Their World Cup journey will begin against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai. In such a competitive group, Afghanistan bring back Naib to provide calm leadership on the field, even though Rashid Khan remains the captain. The presence of senior players like Mohammad Nabi and Ibrahim Zadran further strengthens the squad.
Before the World Cup begins, the same 15-player squad will also take part in a three-match T20I series against West Indies in the UAE, starting January 19. This series will be crucial for team combinations, and Afghanistan bring back Naib with the hope that he regains full match rhythm before the main event. His role as an all-rounder could be vital in close games.
Overall, the squad reflects Afghanistan’s growing confidence as a T20 side. With quality spin, improving pace options, and explosive batters, expectations are rising. Most importantly, Afghanistan bring back Naib not just as a player, but as a symbol of experience and stability. As the World Cup approaches, fans will be eager to see how often Afghanistan bring back Naib proves to be a match-winning decision, and whether Afghanistan bring back Naib can help the team make a deep run in the tournament.
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