Afghanistan A Squad For Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026: Ikram Alikhil to Lead, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Allah Ghazanfar Included

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed its 15-member Afghanistan squad for the ACC Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Doha, Qatar, from November 19 to 29.

Wicketkeeper-batter Ikram Alikhil will captain the side, which features a combination of promising young talents and players with experience in Afghanistan's senior setup. Mohammad Ishaq has been named as the second wicketkeeping option, while the squad also includes several exciting batting and bowling prospects.

Among the notable selections are Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, AM Ghazanfar, Hassan Eisakhil, Bilal Sami and Qais Ahmad. Their inclusion adds considerable depth to Afghanistan's squad ahead of the continental competition.

Fast bowler Bilal Sami earns his place following his involvement in the ACB's recent ODI Tri-Nation Series featuring Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, Ijaz Ahmadzai has attracted attention with consecutive half-centuries in the opening two matches of the ongoing T20I series, strengthening his case for selection.

Afghanistan have been placed in Pool A alongside Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A and Hong Kong, China. The Afghan colts will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka A on November 19 before facing Bangladesh A on November 21. Their final group-stage fixture will be against Hong Kong, China, on November 23.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for November 26 and 27, with the tournament final set for November 29.

Afghanistan Squad For Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026

Ikram Alikhil (C, WK), Mohammad Ishaq (WK), Hassan Eisakhil, Imran Mir, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Darwish Rasooli, Faisal Khan Shinozada, Baheer Shah Mahbooob, Farmanullah Safi, Qais Ahmad, Naseer Khan Maroofkhil, Allah Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Bashir Ahmad, Naveed Zadran.

Reserves: Abdullah Tarakhil, Khalid Taniwal and Izharulhaq Naveed.