Ibrahim Zadran has been appointed Afghanistan’s T20I captain for the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, replacing leg-spinner Rashid Khan, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Thursday.
Zadran, who previously served as the T20I team’s vice-captain, takes over from Rashid following significant changes to the squad after Afghanistan’s exit at the league stage of the 2026 Men’s 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. 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,” said chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil in a statement.
“Ibrahim Zadran, who has served as Rashid Khan’s deputy, will assume the role as 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,” he added.
For the series against Sri Lanka, left-arm fast bowler Fazal Haq Farooqi, all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq, all part of the Men’s T20 World Cup squad, have been omitted from both the T20I and ODI squads. This series will be the first assignment for newly-appointed head coach Richard Pybus.
Wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman, left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Sharafuddin Ashraf, and left-arm fast bowler Fareed Ahmad have earned T20I call-ups. Fareed Ahmad Malik returns to the ODI squad, and fast bowler Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi receives his maiden ODI selection.
Bilal Sami, who claimed a five-wicket haul and the Player of the Match award in his most recent ODI appearance, retains his place in the 50-over squad and has been added to the T20I reserves pool. Nangyal Kharoti and Ijaz Ahmadzai will join Sami in the T20I reserves, while Bashir Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Qais Ahmad have been named to the ODI reserves pool.
