Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been named in the Afghanistan squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against India, set to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 13, 15, and 17. This marks Naveen’s return after recovering from a stress fracture in his right shoulder, which had previously sidelined him from the series against the West Indies and the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where Afghanistan faced an early exit.
Additionally, this series will be Ibrahim Zadran’s first as Afghanistan’s full-time T20I captain, following his appointment to succeed Rashid Khan. Naveen’s inclusion is expected to strengthen the team’s pace attack as they prepare to face India.
Afghanistan Cricket Squad Update
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced a well-rounded squad for upcoming competitions. Fast bowlers Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, and Azmatullah Omarzai will be joined by veteran all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, who makes a return to the team. Notably, uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman has earned his first call-up after impressive performances in domestic cricket.
The spin department remains strong with key players including Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi. The board emphasizes its commitment to assembling a competitive and prepared lineup for future matches.
“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. It is a great pride that Afghanistan is hosting a major cricketing nation for the first time. The series will mark the first-ever men’s bilateral T20I series between Afghanistan and India, after the two teams played in a one-off Test and three ODIs in June this year. Afghanistan squad : 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, and Naveen-ul-Haq.
“This reflects the progress Afghan cricket has made toward achieving its major objectives and shows that we are steadily advancing toward the strategic goals identified by the organization,” said Naseeb Khan, the Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO, in a statement.
The Afghanistan squad will reach India early for a preparatory camp before the series begins.
