Afghanistan Announce ODI and Test Squads for India Tour 2026: Hashmatullah Shahidi to Lead, Rashid Khan Misses Test

• WhatsApp
• YouTube
• X
• Instagram

Afghanistan’s upcoming tour of India has already started generating excitement among cricket fans, not just because of the quality of cricket expected, but also due to some major selection calls made by the Afghanistan Cricket Board. The team management has decided to stick with experience in white-ball cricket while also giving opportunities to a few fresh faces in the longer format. At the center of it all will be skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, who will continue to lead the national side in both the Test and ODI formats during the challenging India tour.

The series begins with a one-off Test match in New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10, followed by a three-match ODI series to be played in Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Chennai. For Afghanistan, this tour is more than just another bilateral assignment. It is another opportunity to prove how far the team has progressed in international cricket, especially against a powerhouse like India.

One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement has been the absence of star spinner Rashid Khan from the Test squad. Rashid remains part of the ODI setup, but Afghanistan have decided to move in a different direction for the red-ball format. The decision has surprised many fans because Rashid’s experience and match-winning ability have often been crucial for Afghanistan in difficult conditions. However, team insiders believe workload management and long-term fitness planning may have played a role in keeping him out of the Test side.

Even without Rashid in the longest format, Afghanistan still have several spin options available. Players like Qais Ahmad, Nangyal Kharotai, and Sharafudin Ashraf have been trusted to take responsibility with the ball. The management appears keen to build a stronger bench strength, especially in Test cricket where Afghanistan are still trying to establish consistency against top-tier nations.

The ODI squad, meanwhile, looks balanced and experienced. Afghanistan have retained their core group, showing faith in players who have performed together over the last few years. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran are expected to open the innings, a partnership that has often given Afghanistan aggressive starts in limited-overs cricket. Gurbaz, in particular, remains one of the most exciting wicketkeeper-batters in world cricket because of his fearless approach at the top.

The middle order carries a mix of stability and experience. Shahidi and Rahmat Shah will likely anchor the innings, while players like Darwish Rasooli add flexibility in the batting lineup. Afghanistan’s management has clearly focused on maintaining balance rather than making too many risky changes before such an important overseas tour.

The presence of senior all-rounder Mohammad Nabi continues to be invaluable for the side. Even at this stage of his career, Nabi remains one of Afghanistan’s most dependable players, both as an off-spinner and a middle-order batter. Alongside him, Azmatullah Omarzai adds energy and versatility to the squad. Omarzai’s recent performances in international cricket have shown that he can contribute in pressure situations with both bat and ball.

Afghanistan’s pace attack also looks interesting. Bilal Sami, Fareed Malik, and Zia-ur-Rahman Sharifi have all been included as the selectors aim to develop a stronger fast-bowling unit. Conditions in India may not always favor pace bowlers, but Afghanistan understand the importance of having bowlers who can create breakthroughs in the middle overs and with the new ball.

In the Test squad, the inclusion of young players like Abdul Malik and Rahmanullah Zadran signals the team’s long-term vision. Afghanistan have often shown promise in Test cricket but have struggled with consistency and depth. By introducing younger players into the setup, the selectors appear focused on preparing a stronger future core for red-ball cricket.

India, meanwhile, will enter the series as favorites, especially at home where they remain one of the toughest teams to beat in world cricket. But Afghanistan have repeatedly shown in recent years that they are capable of challenging bigger teams. Their performances in ICC tournaments and bilateral series have earned them respect across the cricketing world.

The tour is expected to attract strong fan interest, particularly because Afghanistan cricket continues to inspire supporters with its rapid rise on the international stage. Matches in Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Chennai are likely to witness packed crowds, especially with several Afghan players enjoying huge popularity among Indian cricket fans.

For Shahidi, this series will be another major leadership test. Leading Afghanistan in India is never an easy assignment, but the captain will know that strong performances here can further strengthen Afghanistan’s reputation as one of the fastest-growing teams in world cricket.

While Rashid Khan’s absence from the Test squad remains the headline-making decision, Afghanistan still travel to India with a squad capable of competing and producing moments of brilliance. The series will not only test their skill but also reveal how prepared they are to take the next big step in international cricket.

Afghanistan ODI Squad vs India

• Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain)
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
• Ibrahim Zadran
• Sediqullah Atal
• Darwish Rasooli
• Rahmat Shah
• Ikram Alikhil (WK)
• Mohammad Nabi
• Azmatullah Omarzai
• Rashid Khan
• Nangyal Kharotai
• AM Ghazanfar
• Zia-ur-Rahman Sharifi
• Fareed Malik
• Bilal Sami

Reserves

• Qais Ahmad
• Saleem Safi
• Bashir Ahmad

Afghanistan Test Squad vs India

• Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain)
• Abdul Malik
• Sediqullah Atal
• Rahmat Shah
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz
• Rahmanullah Zadran
• Afsar Zazai (WK)
• Ikram Alikhil (WK)
• Azmatullah Omarzai
• Sharafudin Ashraf
• Nangyal Kharotai
• Qais Ahmad
• Bilal Sami
• Zia Sharifi
• Saleem Safi

Reserves

• Bashir Ahmad
• Bahir Shah
• Ismat Alam