The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 promises to be one of the most exciting tournaments in cricket history, featuring 20 teams across 29 days. Afghanistan, known for its explosive batting and world-class spin attack, is placed in Group D alongside South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, and UAE. Below is a complete SEO-optimized breakdown of Afghanistan’s squad, fixtures, venues, and timings.
🏏 Afghanistan Team Squad (Expected)
While the official squad announcement is pending, Afghanistan is expected to field a strong lineup featuring:
- Rashid Khan – Captain & star leg-spinner
- Mohammad Nabi – Veteran all-rounder
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Explosive wicketkeeper-batsman
- Najibullah Zadran – Middle-order powerhouse
- Fazalhaq Farooqi – Left-arm pacer
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman – Mystery spinner
This blend of youth and experience makes Afghanistan a dangerous side in the shortest format.
📅 Afghanistan Fixtures – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Here are Afghanistan’s confirmed group-stage matches:
| Date | Time (Local) | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 8, 2026 | 11:00 AM | New Zealand vs Afghanistan | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| Feb 11, 2026 | 11:00 AM | South Africa vs Afghanistan | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Feb 16, 2026 | 11:00 AM | Afghanistan vs UAE | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| Feb 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM | Afghanistan vs Canada | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
🏟️ Venues Hosting Afghanistan Matches
Afghanistan will play across India’s premier stadiums, ensuring massive crowds and electrifying atmospheres:
- MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai – Known for spin-friendly pitches
- Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad – World’s largest cricket stadium
- Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi – Historic venue with balanced conditions
🔑 Tournament Format
- Group Stage (Feb 7–20, 2026): Afghanistan must finish in the top two of Group D to qualify.
- Super Eights (Feb 21–28, 2026): The best eight teams battle for semi-final spots.
- Knockouts (Mar 4–8, 2026): Semi-finals in Kolkata, Colombo, and Mumbai, with the final on March 8 in Ahmedabad/Colombo.
Conclusion
Afghanistan enters the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with high hopes, backed by their spin arsenal and fearless batting. Fans can expect thrilling contests against top teams like New Zealand and South Africa. With matches spread across iconic venues, Afghanistan’s journey will be one to watch closely.
