Ikram Alikhil to captain Afghanistan A at 2026 Rising Stars Asia Cup
Synopsis
Ikram Alikhil leads a 15-man Afghanistan A squad into the 2026 Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha, armed with in-form names like Ijaz Ahmadzai and Bilal Sami — and motivated by last year's group-stage exit. With India A and Pakistan A in the other pool, Afghanistan's Pool A opener against Sri Lanka A on 19 November sets the tone for what could be a redemption run.
Key Takeaways
Ikram Alikhil (3 Tests, 33 ODIs) named captain and wicketkeeper of Afghanistan A for the 2026 Rising Stars Asia Cup .
The tournament runs from 19 to 29 November 2026 in Doha, Qatar .
Afghanistan A are in Pool A with Sri Lanka A , Bangladesh A , and Hong Kong, China ; top two from each group reach the semi-finals.
Fast bowler Bilal Sami and all-rounder Ijaz Ahmadzai — in form with successive T20I half-centuries — are among the standout picks.
Afghanistan failed to exit the group stage in last year's edition, finishing third in Group A.
Three reserves named: Abdullah Tarakhil , Khalid Taniwal , and Izharulhaq Naveed .
Wicketkeeper-batter Ikram Alikhil will captain Afghanistan A at the 2026 Rising Stars Asia Cup, after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) national selection committee named a 15-member squad alongside three reserve players on 2 November 2026. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Doha, Qatar, from 19 to 29 November.
About the Captain and Key Squad Members
Alikhil, who has represented Afghanistan in three Tests and 33 ODIs, will serve as both primary wicketkeeper and skipper. The squad includes several prominent names such as Ijaz Ahmadzai, AM Ghazanfar, Darwish Rasooli, Hassan Eisakhil, Qais Ahmad, and fast bowler Bilal Sami.
Sami recently featured in an ODI tri-series against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. All-rounder Ijaz Ahmadzai earned his call-up on the back of back-to-back half-centuries in the first two matches of the ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe, where he has shown considerable promise. With Alikhil designated as the first-choice gloveman, Mohammad Ishaq has been included as the second wicketkeeper in the squad.
Group Stage Draw and Fixtures
Afghanistan A have been placed in Pool A alongside Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, and Hong Kong, China. The second group comprises India A, Pakistan A, the UAE, and Nepal. The top two sides from each pool will advance to the semi-finals.
Afghanistan A will open their campaign against Sri Lanka A on 19 November, before facing Bangladesh A on 21 November and rounding off their group stage against Hong Kong, China on 23 November. Notably, in the previous edition of the tournament, Afghanistan failed to advance beyond the group stage after finishing third in Group A — giving the squad added motivation to go deeper this time.
Knockout Schedule
The semi-finals are set for 26 and 27 November, with the final scheduled for Sunday, 29 November. All matches, including the knockout rounds, will be played in Doha.
Full Squad and Reserves
Afghanistan A squad: Ikram Alikhil (captain & 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, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Bashir Ahmad, and Naveed Zadran.
Reserves: Abdullah Tarakhil, Khalid Taniwal, and Izharulhaq Naveed.
With a squad blending experienced internationals and in-form domestic performers, Afghanistan A will be aiming to improve on last year's group-stage exit when the tournament gets underway later this month.
Point of View
Signalling the ACB is serious about converting Rising Stars into a pipeline rather than a formality. The group draw is forgiving on paper, but the ghost of last year's third-place group finish looms. Critically, this is also a testing ground for the likes of Ghazanfar and Rasooli ahead of senior international cycles. Whether Afghanistan can translate squad depth into knockout cricket — something they have struggled with at this level — is the real story to track over the next four weeks.
NationPress
2 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will captain Afghanistan A at the 2026 Rising Stars Asia Cup?
Wicketkeeper-batter Ikram Alikhil will captain Afghanistan A at the 2026 Rising Stars Asia Cup. He has played three Tests and 33 ODIs for the senior Afghanistan side and will also serve as the squad's primary wicketkeeper.
Where and when is the 2026 Rising Stars Asia Cup being held?
The 2026 Rising Stars Asia Cup will be played in Doha, Qatar, from 19 to 29 November 2026. All matches, including the semi-finals and final, will take place in Doha.
Which teams are in Afghanistan A's group at the tournament?
Afghanistan A have been placed in Pool A alongside Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, and Hong Kong, China. The top two sides from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
Which notable players have been picked in the Afghanistan A squad?
The squad includes fast bowler Bilal Sami, spinner AM Ghazanfar, Darwish Rasooli, Qais Ahmad, Hassan Eisakhil, and Ijaz Ahmadzai, who earned his spot with back-to-back half-centuries in the T20I series against Zimbabwe.
How did Afghanistan A perform in the previous edition of the Rising Stars Asia Cup?
Afghanistan did not advance to the knockout stage in the previous edition, finishing third in Group A. The team will be looking to improve on that result when the 2026 tournament begins on 19 November.
