Darwish Rasooli named Afghanistan captain for Asian Games 2026 cricket
Synopsis
Afghanistan have named middle-order batter Darwish Rasooli as captain for the Asian Games men's cricket event in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The 15-member squad mixes veterans like Najibullah Zadran with SCL 2026 standouts Mohammad Akram and Player of the Tournament Ismat Alam — as Afghanistan chase their first Asian Games gold after three consecutive silvers.
Key Takeaways
Darwish Rasooli has been named captain of Afghanistan 's 15-member squad for the 20th Asian Games men's cricket event.
The event is scheduled at Korogi Sports Park, Aichi-Nagoya, Japan , from 17 September to 3 October 2026 .
Mohammad Akram earned a call-up after scoring 339 runs in eight innings at the SCL 2026 , including a century and two half-centuries.
All-rounder Ismat Alam was named SCL 2026 Player of the Tournament with 294 runs and nine wickets .
Afghanistan have won the silver medal at the Asian Games men's cricket event in 2010 , 2014 , and 2022 .
India are the defending champions; ten teams will compete in cricket's fourth appearance at the Asian Games.
Middle-order batter Darwish Rasooli has been named captain of Afghanistan's squad for the men's cricket event at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) National Selection Committee finalised the 15-member squad on Monday, blending seasoned international names with standout performers from the domestic circuit.
Key Selections and Squad Composition
Veterans Najibullah Zadran and all-rounder Karim Janat retain their places, providing the squad with proven international pedigree. Joining them are top performers from the recently concluded Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL) 2026. Top-order batter Mohammad Akram earned his national call-up after a standout SCL campaign, amassing 339 runs across eight innings, including a century and two half-centuries.
All-rounder Ismat Alam, adjudged the Player of the Tournament at the SCL, also earns inclusion on the back of a stellar dual contribution of 294 runs and nine wickets. The squad further features promising youngsters Hassan Eisakhil — son of veteran off-spin bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nabi — Faisal Khan Shinozada, and Nangyal Kharoti.
Venue and Schedule
The men's cricket event will be held at Korogi Sports Park from 17 September to 3 October 2026. The venue previously hosted the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Sub-regional Qualifiers, giving it recent high-level cricket credentials ahead of the continental showpiece.
Afghanistan's Asian Games Cricket Record
Afghanistan have been consistent performers at the Asian Games, clinching the silver medal in the men's cricket event in 2010, 2014, and 2022. The upcoming edition marks cricket's fourth appearance at the Asian Games, with ten teams competing. India enter as defending champions in both the men's and women's cricket events.
Full Squad
Darwish Rasooli (c), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal, Imran Mir, Faisal Khan Shinozada, Najibullah Zadran, Farmanullah Safi, Ismat Alam, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Arab Gul Momand, Faridoon Dawoodzai, and Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Afghanistan will be looking to convert their silver-medal record into gold when competition begins in Aichi-Nagoya next month.
Point of View
Mohammad Nabi's son, adds a narrative layer, but the more significant signal is the ACB's willingness to reward domestic form with immediate national exposure. Three silver medals without a gold tells its own story: Afghanistan consistently reach the final but fall short. Whether Rasooli's leadership and a fresh cohort of SCL performers can break that pattern against defending champions India remains the defining question of this campaign.
NationPress
17 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is captaining Afghanistan at the 2026 Asian Games cricket event?
Middle-order batter Darwish Rasooli has been named captain of Afghanistan's 15-member squad for the men's cricket event at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
When and where is the Asian Games 2026 cricket event?
The men's cricket event will be held at Korogi Sports Park in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from 17 September to 3 October 2026. The venue previously hosted the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Sub-regional Qualifiers.
Which new players have been included in Afghanistan's Asian Games squad?
Mohammad Akram and all-rounder Ismat Alam — both standout performers at the SCL 2026 — earned national call-ups. Youngsters Hassan Eisakhil, Faisal Khan Shinozada, and Nangyal Kharoti also feature in the squad.
What is Afghanistan's record in Asian Games cricket?
Afghanistan have won the silver medal in the men's cricket event at the Asian Games in 2010, 2014, and 2022. They have yet to claim a gold medal at the continental event.
Who are the defending champions in Asian Games cricket?
India are the defending champions in both the men's and women's cricket events at the Asian Games. Ten teams will compete in the men's event, which marks cricket's fourth appearance at the continental Games.
