Zadran replaces Rashid as Afghanistan T20I captain ahead of Sri Lanka tour

The decision to remove Rashid Khan from T20I captaincy came after Afghanistan failed to qualify for the Super Eight round in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Afghanistan Cricket Board has appointed Ibrahim Zadran as Afghanistan’s new T20I captain, ending Rashid Khan’s stint as skipper in the format ahead of the team’s white-ball series against Sri Lanka.

 

The decision comes days before Afghanistan begins their tour, with the board opting for a leadership change after the side’s early exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where they failed to progress to the Super Eight. Zadran had been serving as vice-captain in T20Is and now steps into the role for the first time as full-time captain.

Squad changes after World Cup campaign

Along with the captaincy change, the selectors have made several changes to both the T20I and ODI squads. Fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi, all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq have been left out of both squads despite being part of Afghanistan’s recent World Cup campaign.

 

 

In the T20I squad, wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman has earned a place along with left-arm spin all-rounder Sharafuddin Ashraf and pacer Fareed Ahmad Malik. The selections indicate a fresh look to the squad as Afghanistan prepare for the three-match series.

 

Afghanistan T20I squad for Sri Lanka tour: Ibrahim Zadran (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Noor Rahman (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik and Abdullah Ahmadzai 

ODI squad sees fresh inclusion and comeback

For the ODI leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi continues as captain, while Fareed Ahmad Malik returns to the 50-over setup. Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, who played three matches during the T20 World Cup, has received his maiden ODI call-up.

 

The ODI squad retains a strong core, with senior players such as Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi and Rashid remaining part of the group.

 

Afghanistan ODI squad for Sri Lanka tour: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik and Bilal Sami.

Afghanistan white-ball tour of Sri Lanka: Full schedule

Date	Match	Venue	City	Teams	IST	Local Time
13 Mar 2026	1st T20I	Sharjah Cricket Stadium	Sharjah	Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka	8:00 PM	6:30 PM
15 Mar 2026	2nd T20I	Sharjah Cricket Stadium	Sharjah	Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka	8:00 PM	6:30 PM
17 Mar 2026	3rd T20I	Sharjah Cricket Stadium	Sharjah	Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka	8:00 PM	6:30 PM
20 Mar 2026	1st ODI	Dubai International Cricket Stadium	Dubai	Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka	11:30 AM	10:00 AM
22 Mar 2026	2nd ODI	Dubai International Cricket Stadium	Dubai	Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka	11:30 AM	10:00 AM
25 Mar 2026	3rd ODI	Dubai International Cricket Stadium	Dubai	Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka	11:30 AM	10:00 AM