Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has appointed Ibrahim Zadran as the new captain of Afghanistan’s T20I team, replacing star leg-spinner Rashid Khan ahead of the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Zadran, who previously served as the team’s vice-captain in the format, takes charge following Afghanistan’s early exit from the league stage of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Announcing the decision on Thursday, ACB chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil praised Rashid’s leadership while explaining the board’s long-term plans.
“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,” Sulimankhil said in a statement.
“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 added that Zadran’s experience as vice-captain made him the natural successor.
“Ibrahim Zadran, who has served as Rashid Khan's deputy, will assume the role of 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.”
Squad changes announced
The selectors have made several changes to the squad for the Sri Lanka series.
Left-arm fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi, all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq — all part of Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup squad — have been dropped from both the T20I and ODI teams.
Wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman, left-arm spin all-rounder Sharafuddin Ashraf, and left-arm pacer Fareed Ahmad Malik have received call-ups to the T20I squad.
Fareed Ahmad also returns to the ODI team, while fast bowler Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi has earned his maiden ODI selection.
Pacer Bilal Sami, who took a five-wicket haul in his most recent ODI appearance, retained his place in the ODI squad and has also been added to the T20I reserves.
Meanwhile, Nangyal Kharoti and Ijaz Ahmadzai have been named in the T20I reserves. Qais Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Bashir Ahmad are included in the ODI reserves.
New era under coach Richard Pybus
The Sri Lanka series will also mark the first assignment for newly appointed Afghanistan head coach Richard Pybus.
Sulimankhil said the leadership change is part of the board’s long-term planning for upcoming global tournaments.
“In addition, our long-term goal is to adequately prepare the team for the upcoming two World Cup events. We are hopeful that, under this new leadership, the National Team will not only flourish but also showcase outstanding performances and build a strong and competitive bench strength for the crucial challenges that lie ahead," he said.
Series schedule
Afghanistan will face Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on March 13, 15 and 17.
The ODI series will follow in Dubai, with matches scheduled for March 20, 22 and 25 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Afghanistan T20I squad
Ibrahim Zadran (captain), 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, Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Reserves: Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami, Ijaz Ahmadzai.
Afghanistan ODI squad
Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmat Shah (vice-captain), 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, Bilal Sami.
Reserves: Qais Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Bashir Ahmad.