NEW DELHI: Ibrahim Zadran has been appointed the brand new T20I captain of the Afghanistan national cricket team for the upcoming white-ball collection towards Sri Lanka nationwide cricket staff. The choice was introduced by the Afghanistan Cricket Board after the staff’s disappointing efficiency within the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026, the place Afghanistan have been eradicated within the league stage. Zadran replaces star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who beforehand led the staff within the format.

Zadran had been serving as vice-captain and now steps into the management position as a part of broader adjustments throughout the staff following the event. Explaining the choice, chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil mentioned, “Rashid Khan’s tenure because the T20I captain introduced immense success to the staff, significantly highlighted by the staff’s outstanding journey within the 2024 version of the T20 World Cup, the place we reached the semi-finals.”He added that the transfer is a part of a long-term plan for the staff’s future. “In alignment with the ACB’s long-term strategic imaginative and prescient and following latest adjustments in our Staff Administration, together with the appointment of a brand new head coach, we have now made the considerate choice to transition the management throughout the T20I setup,” he continued.“Ibrahim Zadran, who has served as Rashid Khan’s deputy, will assume the position as Afghanistan’s common captain on this format. We lengthen our heartfelt gratitude to Rashid Khan for his priceless contributions and want Ibrahim Zadran each success on this necessary new position.”The squad has additionally seen a number of adjustments, with gamers like Fazal Haq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Ishaq ignored. In the meantime, new names equivalent to Noor Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Fareed Ahmad have been included within the T20I squad.“As well as, our long-term aim is to adequately put together the staff for the upcoming two World Cup occasions,” he remarked. “We’re hopeful that, below this new management, the Nationwide Staff won’t solely flourish but additionally showcase excellent performances and construct a robust and aggressive bench energy for the essential challenges that lie forward.”In the meantime, the ACB mentioned it’s monitoring the regional state of affairs because of the Israel–Iran battle. The board added, “Though a last choice might be made in a few days, the ACB’s preliminary strategy, in coordination with the ECB and venue authorities, is to proceed with the initially scheduled dates. Ought to circumstances necessitate a change, the ACB will take into account exploring different choices for each the host nation and the occasion schedule.”