KABUL: The Afghanistan Cricket Board has appointed Ibrahim Zadran as the new captain of Afghanistan’s T20 International team, replacing star leg-spinner Rashid Khan.
The decision comes after Afghanistan’s early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
According to reports, the move is part of a leadership reshuffle aimed at rebuilding the team following a disappointing campaign in the tournament. Ibrahim Zadran, who is one of Afghanistan’s most consistent top-order batters in recent years, is expected to lead the side in upcoming bilateral T20I series and international events.
During the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Afghanistan struggled to maintain consistency in the group stage. Despite having experienced players such as Rashid Khan and several talented youngsters in the squad, the team failed to secure enough wins to qualify for the Super stage and was eliminated during the group phase.
Afghanistan showed flashes of strong performance in the tournament, particularly in their bowling department led by Rashid Khan, but their batting lineup could not deliver consistently under pressure. The early exit prompted discussions within the Afghanistan Cricket Board about strengthening leadership and improving the team’s overall strategy.
By appointing Ibrahim Zadran as captain, the board hopes to bring fresh energy and stability to the team. Zadran has been a key figure in Afghanistan’s batting lineup and has impressed with his calm approach and ability to anchor innings in high-pressure matches.
Meanwhile, Rashid Khan remains one of Afghanistan’s most valuable players and is expected to continue playing a crucial role as a senior member of the squad, particularly with his match-winning leg-spin bowling and vast experience in international and franchise cricket.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board believes the leadership change will help the team regroup and prepare strongly for future international competitions as they aim to improve their performance on the global stage.
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