Kabul, Afghanistan – The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially unveiled a 15-player squad that will carry the nation’s hopes at the prestigious ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026. The announcement marks the culmination of extensive training and selection camps, highlighting the nation’s continued investment in its cricketing future.
Leadership and Squad Composition
The team will be led by captain Mahboob Khan, whose leadership and all-round abilities are seen as pivotal for the campaign. He is supported by a blend of promising talent, including vice-captain Ghazirullah Khan and other notable players such as Khalid Ahmadzai, Aziz Miakhel, and Nazifullah Amiri.
The ACB has also named three reserve players—Aqib Khan, Faheem, and Ezzat Noor—who will travel with the squad, ensuring depth and readiness for the tournament’s demands.
The Full Squad:
Mahboob Khan (Captain), Ghazirullah Khan (Vice-Captain), Faisal Khan, Usman Khan, Khalid Ahmadzai, Aziz Miakhel, Abdul Aziz Khan, Nazifullah Amiri, Khatir Stanikzai, Nusrat Nooristani, Wahedullah Zadran, Salam Khan, Zaitullah Shaheen, Rohullah Arab, Hafiz Zadran.
Reserves: Aqib Khan, Faheem, Ezzat Noor.
Tournament Outlook and Afghan Challenge
The 16-team global spectacle is scheduled to be held across Zimbabwe and Namibia, commencing on January 15, 2026. Afghanistan finds itself in Group B, a competitive pool featuring South Africa, the West Indies, and Tanzania.
The Afghan colts will begin their quest for glory against the formidable South Africa on January 16. They will then face the West Indies on January 18, before concluding the group stage against Tanzania on January 21. The top two teams from the group will advance to the Super Six stage.
A Legacy of Youth Development
Afghanistan’s rising stature in world cricket has been significantly bolstered by a robust youth system. The U-19 team has consistently been a source of future stars, with many graduates seamlessly transitioning to the senior national side. This squad aims to build on that legacy, combining skill, determination, and the fearless brand of cricket that has become synonymous with Afghan teams.
“This is a talented and hardworking group,” said an ACB spokesperson. “They have prepared diligently, and the board has full confidence in their ability to compete at the highest level and make the nation proud.”
Cricket enthusiasts across Afghanistan and the global diaspora will be eagerly following the team’s progress as they step onto the world stage next January.
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