Afghanistan name squads for Bangladesh, Zimbabwe series

Afghanistan have unveiled their squads for a busy run of cricket against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, setting up a packed stretch of Tests, ODIs and T20Is through October and November. The selections bring together experienced names, fresh recalls and a few notable omissions, giving the team a different look across formats.

Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim Zadran take charge

Rahmat Shah has been appointed to lead Afghanistan in both Tests and ODIs, while Ibrahim Zadran will captain the T20I side. The structure reflects Afghanistan’s growing confidence in separate leadership for different formats, with selectors clearly aiming to balance continuity and fresh energy.

Rahmat’s first major assignment as full-time Test captain comes in the one-off Test against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi from October 9 to 13. He arrives in the role after guiding Afghanistan to a 4-0 ODI series win over Ireland, a result that underlined the team’s steady progress in the 50-over game.

In the white-ball setup, Ibrahim Zadran gets the nod to lead the shortest format, a sign of trust in his development and recent performances. Afghanistan’s approach suggests they want specialist leadership as they move through a demanding international calendar.

Test squad sees returns and familiar gaps

The Test squad features several important returns. Ismat Alam is back after missing the Test against India, while Shahidullah Kamal and Yamin Ahmadzai have earned recalls after strong showings in the Ahmad Shah Abdali First Class Tournament.

Zia Ur Rahman Akbar has also returned following an injury layoff, and leg-spinner Khalil Gurbaz has been recalled as well. However, Rashid Khan remains absent from the red-ball squad, having been rested from Test cricket on medical advice.

Afghanistan Test squad

Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Afsar Zazai, Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmanullah Zadran, Shahidullah Kamal, Ismat Alam, Qais Ahmad, Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, Khalil Gurbaz, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi and Yamin Ahmadzai have been included. Baheer Shah Mahboob, Naseer Khan Maroofkhil, Bilal Sami and Bashir Ahmad have been named among the reserves.

The recall-heavy squad shows Afghanistan are looking for depth and competition in red-ball cricket. With Bangladesh first up, the selectors have leaned toward form and fitness as much as reputation.

ODI squad keeps the biggest names together

The ODI squad takes a different shape, with Rashid Khan, Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai all retained for the tri-series against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, which begins on October 17. That continuity gives Afghanistan a strong spine heading into a format where they have become increasingly competitive.

Rahmat Shah will again lead the side, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz named vice-captain and wicketkeeper. The lineup also includes Ikram Alikhil, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Nangyalai Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fazal Haq Farooqi and Yamin Ahmadzai, with Qais Ahmad listed as travelling reserve.

T20I side mixes youth with proven match-winners

Ibrahim Zadran’s T20I squad includes several familiar attacking options, but also a few selection calls that stand out. Mohammad Akram has earned another opportunity after making his international debut at the 2026 Asian Games, while Abdullah Tarakhil has been rewarded for his performances in the Shpageeza Cricket League.

Shahidullah Kamal and Ijaz Ahmadzai are back in the T20I setup, while Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazal Haq Farooqi give the squad plenty of firepower. At the same time, Mohammad Nabi is left out, and Darwish Rasooli has been omitted from both white-ball squads.

A selector’s call like this always brings debate, but it also signals a clear message: Afghanistan are building toward depth, not just depending on a handful of stars. The T20Is against Zimbabwe will be played in Sharjah on October 27, 29 and November 1, before the two teams meet again for a two-Test series at the same venue in November.

A packed schedule with selection pressure attached

Afghanistan’s latest squads show a team in transition, but one still full of ambition. The blend of returns, rest periods and captaincy changes suggests the management is trying to manage workload while keeping competition alive across the group.

For Rahmat Shah, the challenge is to carry momentum into the longer formats. For Ibrahim Zadran, the T20I role offers a chance to stamp his authority on a side that now has several options in every department.

As one team insider’s view might put it, “Selection is no longer just about names; it is about who fits the plan for each format.” That idea runs through these squads from top to bottom.

With Bangladesh and Zimbabwe both coming into the calendar, Afghanistan will expect these selections to deliver results as well as shape the next stage of their cricketing identity.