24-year-old opener takes charge after Afghanistan’s 2026 T20 World Cup exit as the ACB monitors West Asia conflict ahead of UAE series.

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Ibrahim Zadran Appointed Afghanistan’s New T20I Captain

Opening batter Ibrahim Zadran has been named the new T20I captain of the Afghanistan national cricket team, replacing star leg-spinner Rashid Khan following the team’s early exit from the group stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The 24-year-old will begin his tenure with a three-match T20I series against the Sri Lanka national cricket team in Sharjah starting March 13. The tour will also include a three-match ODI series scheduled later in the month in Dubai.

Afghanistan Cricket Board Monitoring Regional Situation

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed that it is closely observing the ongoing military conflict in West Asia, which has led to the closure of several airspace corridors. The board is currently in discussions with stakeholders regarding whether the upcoming Sri Lanka series in the United Arab Emirates can proceed as originally planned.

In an official statement, the ACB said its initial approach—along with the Emirates Cricket Board and venue authorities—is to maintain the existing schedule. However, the board also acknowledged that alternative venues or revised dates may be considered if the situation requires adjustments.

Zadran’s Leadership Experience and T20I Record

Despite being relatively young, Zadran already has leadership experience, having captained Afghanistan in 11 T20Is previously. He is currently the fourth-highest run-scorer for Afghanistan in the format, with 1,865 runs from 65 innings at an average of 33.30 and a strike rate of 114.83.

The ACB praised Rashid Khan’s captaincy tenure, highlighting the team’s impressive run to the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as a major achievement.

According to the board, the leadership change aligns with its long-term strategy and recent structural adjustments, including the appointment of a new head coach.

Richard Pybus Takes Over as Head Coach

Former international coach Richard Pybus has been appointed as Afghanistan’s new head coach, replacing Jonathan Trott. The upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka will be Pybus’ first assignment with the national side, where he will work closely with Zadran as captain.

Squad Changes After T20 World Cup

Afghanistan have made several changes to their squad following the T20 World Cup campaign. Left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi, seam-bowling allrounder Gulbadin Naib, and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq have been left out.

In their place, uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Noor ul Rahman, spin-bowling allrounder Sharafuddin Ashraf, and left-arm seamer Fareed Malik have been included in the squad.

ODI Leadership Remains Unchanged

For the ODI format, Hashmatullah Shahidi will continue as captain, with Rahmat Shah serving as vice-captain.

Fast bowler Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, who replaced the injured Naveen-ul-Haq in Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup squad, has received his maiden ODI call-up. Sharifi has previously represented Afghanistan in one Test and six T20Is.

Meanwhile, rookie pacer Bilal Sami has retained his place in the ODI squad after an impressive five-wicket haul against the Bangladesh national cricket team in Abu Dhabi last October.

With a new captain, a new head coach, and several fresh faces in the squad, Afghanistan will look to rebuild momentum in the shorter formats as they prepare for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka in the UAE.