Kabul, March 5 (NationPress) - Opener Ibrahim Zadran has been appointed as the new T20I captain of Afghanistan for the forthcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, succeeding leg-spinner Rashid Khan, as announced by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Thursday.

Zadran, who previously held the position of vice-captain for the T20I team, steps up to lead the squad after significant changes were made post the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, where Afghanistan exited during the league stage.

“Rashid Khan’s leadership during his tenure as T20I captain was marked by considerable achievements, particularly highlighted by the team’s extraordinary run to the semi-finals in the 2024 T20 World Cup,” said chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil.

“In line with the ACB’s long-term strategic goals and following recent updates in our Team Management, including a new head coach, we have made the deliberate decision to shift the leadership within our T20I framework.”

“Ibrahim Zadran will now take on the responsibility as Afghanistan’s regular captain in T20Is. We express our sincere appreciation to Rashid Khan for his invaluable contributions and wish Ibrahim Zadran all the best in this pivotal new position,” added Sulimankhil.

Notably, left-arm pacer Fazal Haq Farooqi, all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq, all part of the Men's T20 World Cup squad, have been dropped from both the T20I and ODI teams for the series against Sri Lanka, which marks the debut of newly appointed head coach Richard Pybus.

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman, left-arm spin all-rounder Sharafuddin Ashraf, and left-arm pacer Fareed Ahmad have received T20I call-ups. Additionally, Fareed Ahmad Malik returns to the ODI squad, while fast bowler Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi earns his first ODI selection.

Bilal Sami, who recently took five wickets and was named Player of the Match in his latest ODI appearance, remains in the 50-over squad and is included in the T20I reserves.

Joining Sami in the T20I reserves are Nangyal Kharoti and Ijaz Ahmadzai, while Bashir Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Qais Ahmad have been named in the ODI reserves.

“Our long-term aim is to adequately equip the team for the upcoming two World Cup events. We are optimistic that, under this new leadership, the National Team will not only thrive but also display exceptional performances, thereby strengthening our competitive bench for the significant challenges ahead,” Sulimankhil further stated.

The ACB is also vigilantly observing the current situation in the Gulf region, particularly with the airspace being shut due to the Israel-Iran conflict, and has been in discussions with all relevant parties about the feasibility of proceeding with the series as planned, both regarding dates and venue.

The three T20Is between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are scheduled to take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on March 13, 15, and 17, while the ODI matches are set to occur at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 20, 22, and 25.

“Although a final decision is expected in the coming days, the ACB’s preliminary stance, in coordination with the ECB and venue authorities, is to proceed with the originally scheduled dates. Should conditions require adjustments, the ACB will explore alternative options for both host country and event schedule,” it noted.

Afghanistan’s T20I Squad: Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Noor Rahman (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, and Abdullah Ahmadzai.

Reserves: Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami, and Ijaz Ahmadzai.

Afghanistan’s ODI Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, and Bilal Sami.

Reserves: Qais Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Bashir Ahmad.