Naveen-ul-Haq marks long-awaited return to international cricket

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a 15-man squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against India, confirming the much-anticipated return of pacer Naveen-ul-Haq to international cricket after a prolonged injury layoff. The right-arm quick has endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines as a result of a stress fracture in his right shoulder, an injury that initially ruled him out of the Asia Cup last year and the T20 World Cup earlier this year, as well as the bilateral series against the West Indies.

The 26-year-old, who had previously retired from ODI cricket after the 2023 World Cup, underwent surgery for the stress fracture in his right shoulder and last featured for Afghanistan in December 2024. His return is viewed as a major boost for Afghanistan's pace attack heading into the series.

Ibrahim Zadran's first assignment as permanent captain

The series marks Ibrahim Zadran's first assignment as Afghanistan's full-time T20I captain, after he took over leadership duties from spin-legend Rashid Khan. The ACB also confirmed the return of experienced allrounder Gulbadin Naib to bolster the middle order and the bowling department. Following impressive performances in domestic cricket and the Shpageeza Cricket League, uncapped wicketkeeper Noor Rahman has been picked as the backup gloveman alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad and Nangyal Kharoti make up the quartet of spinners in the setup, alongside the likes of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai.

Afghanistan full 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, Naveen-ul-Haq.

Reserves: Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal, Fareed Ahmad Malik.

Historic first bilateral T20I series

The three-match T20I series is scheduled to be played on September 13, 15 and 17 in the recent. In what will be a historic first for international cricket, Afghanistan will serve as the official host team despite the entire series being played on Indian soil. It marks the first-ever men's bilateral T20I series between Afghanistan and India, the two sides having previously met in a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series earlier this year.

The Afghan team is set to arrive in India early for a preparatory camp ahead of the three-match series as they look to make history on the road.