New Delhi: Ibrahim Zadran has been appointed as the new T20I captain of Afghanistan national cricket team for the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board announced the decision after the team’s disappointing performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which saw them eliminated at the league stage. Zadran takes over from star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who had previously led the team in the tournament.
Zadran, who was vice-captain, now takes on a leadership role as part of wider changes within the squad following the tournament.
Explaining the decision, chief selector Ahmed Shah Sulimansheer said: “Rashid Khan has brought great success to the team during his tenure as T20I captain, especially the team’s remarkable journey to the 2024 T20 World Cup where we reached the semi-finals.”
He added that the move is part of the team’s long-term plans for the future.
“In keeping with ACB’s long-term strategic vision and in light of recent changes in our team management, including the appointment of a new head coach, we have taken the considered decision to transition leadership within the T20I setting,” he continued.
“Ibrahim Zadran, who served as Rashid Khan’s deputy, will serve as Afghanistan’s regular captain in this format. We express our sincere gratitude to Rashid Khan for his valuable contribution and wish Ibrahim Zadran every success in this important new role.”
There have also been some changes in the squad with players like Fazal Haq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Ishaq being left out.
Meanwhile, new names like Noor Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Fareed Ahmad have been included in the T20I squad.
“In addition, our long-term goal is to be fully prepared for the two upcoming World Cup events,” he said.
“We hope that, under new leadership, the national team will not only thrive, but also deliver outstanding performances and build a strong and competitive bench strength for key challenges ahead.”
At the same time, the ACB said it was monitoring the regional situation arising from the Israel-Iran conflict.
The board added: “While a final decision will be made within days, the ACB’s initial approach is to continue with the original dates in coordination with the ECB and venue authorities. If circumstances need to change, the ACB will consider exploring other options for the host country and event calendar.”