Ibrahim Zadran Replaces Rashid Khan as Afghanistan T20I Captain After World Cup Exit

After Afghanistan were knocked out in the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2026, the selectors decided to change the team’s leadership. Rashid Khan was removed as captain, and Ibrahim Zadran was appointed as the new skipper. Reflecting on the same, chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil noted that Zadran was picked with a long-term strategic vision and that the transition was a thoughtful decision, especially when a new coach is set to take over.

“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,” Sulimankhil’s statement read.

“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.

Afghanistan Make Leadership Change, Zadran Replaces Rashid Khan

Apart from the leadership change, Afghanistan also dropped some key players, including pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi and all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, from both formats. Reserve wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq, who was part of the World Cup squad, has also been left out.

He has been replaced by Noor Rahman. Fareed Ahmad Malik makes his comeback to the ODI squad, while fast bowler Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi receives his maiden call-up for the ODI team.

Afghanistan’s ODI Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik and Bilal Sami, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (WK).

Afghanistan’s T20I Squad: Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Noor Rahman (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik and Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf.

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by K D Mishra March 5, 2026