Afghanistan have recalled fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq in their T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against India. Naveen makes a return for the first time in international cricket in over two years, his 15-member squad also provides depth.
Naveen last played for Afghanistan in December 2024 As well as being a major talking point ahead of the series, Ibrahim Zadran will begin his tenure as new T20I captain of Afghanistan.
Naveen-ul-Haq Makes International Comeback
Naveen-ul-Haq is being added to Afghanistan’s squad having been absent for a period of over eight months due to problems over injury – a stress fracture of the right shoulder, the fast bowler had not played competitive international cricket since March 2022.
The right-arm fast was due to travel with Afghanistan for assignments against the West Indies in the UAE and at the 2026 T20 World Cup. But he was unable to make those appearances due to sustaining an injury.
Afghanistan have an additional quick bowler who has been around for both good and ill since they face India in a three-game T20I series.
Ibrahim Zadran Takes Charge as T20I Captain
The series will also begin a new chapter in Afghanistan’s T20I leadership. With Rashid Khan stepping down as captain, Ibrahim Zadran will take over officially.
After the 2026 T20 World Cup, Zadran became Afghanistan’s new T20I captain. All the other going well with Rashid Khan still being present in the squad, he will now continue playing a key role instead of leading the side.
Zadran will captain Afghanistan in the first T20I, having only been appointed officially as their T20I captain ahead of the matches.
Mohammad Nabi Returns to the White-Ball Squad
The squad also sees the return of experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nabi to the Afghanistan white-ball setup. Nabi missed the team’s recent ODI series against Ireland due to his engagements in this year’s Caribbean Premier League.
His comeback will add experience and provide depth to Afghanistan’s middle order as well as their spin-bowling department.
Afghanistan’s First T20I Series Since the World Cup
This will be Afghanistan’s first T20I assignment since the 2026 T20 World Cup, where they did not make it past the Super Eight stage in India.
The squad will now start a new chapter with Ibrahim Zadran as well. Acquiring more experienced players in Naveen-ul-Haq and Mohammad Nabi, they also brought in young options such as Noor ul Rahman and Nangeyalia Kharote.
India vs Afghanistan T20I Series Schedule
| Match | Date | Team | Venue |
| 1st T20I | September 13, 2026 | Afghanistan vs India | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| 2nd T20I | September 15, 2026 | Afghanistan vs India | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| 3rd T20I | September 17, 2026 | Afghanistan vs India | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
Afghanistan Squad for India T20I Series
Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Noor ul Rahman, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Naveen-ul-Haq.
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