Afghanistan will turn to a mix of emerging talent and experienced campaigners at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, with Darwish Rasooli appointed as captain of the 15-member cricket squad.
Rasooli has led Afghanistan on one previous occasion, captaining the side in a one-off T20I against Qatar. He made a significant impact in that match, scoring 66 to help Afghanistan secure victory.
Experience Led by Rasooli, Janat and Najibullah
Rasooli, who has 33 caps, will be supported by Karim Janat and Najibullah Zadran, who have 80 and 199 caps respectively.
Nangeyalia Kharote is the only other player in the squad with more than 10 international appearances. He is expected to play an important role with the ball, leading Afghanistan's spin attack alongside legspinner Arab Gul Momand.
The pace attack features Farmanullah, Abdollah Ahmadzai and Faridoon Dawoodzai, while allrounders Ismat Alam and Karim Janat provide additional seam-bowling options.
Shpageeza Cricket League Performers Earn Their Chance
Several players have been rewarded for impressive performances in Afghanistan's domestic T20 tournament, the Shpageeza Cricket League.
Mohammad Akram, who finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the latest SCL season, has earned his place after a consistent campaign. Khalid Taniwal's strong performances and impressive strike rate have also helped him secure a spot in the Asian Games squad.
Ismat Alam Headlines the Domestic Performers
Ismat Alam was arguably the standout player of the tournament and finished as the Player of the Tournament.
The seam-bowling allrounder scored 294 runs at a strike rate of 168 and also picked up nine wickets at an average of 16.77. He has already represented Afghanistan in two Tests.
Young Talent Gets International Opportunity
The squad also includes several promising youngsters who have made an impression at youth and domestic level.
Faisal Shinozada earned his opportunity after scoring a century against India in the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup semi-final in February.
Hassan Eisakhil, the son of Afghanistan cricket great Mohammad Nabi, has also been included in the squad as Afghanistan look to give the next generation valuable international exposure.
The cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games will be played in Japan from September 24 to October 3.
Afghanistan squad for Asian Games 2026
Darwish Rasooli (capt), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal, Imran Mir, Faisal Shinozada, Najibullah Zadran, Farmanullah, Ismat Alam, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Arab Gul Momand, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Abdollah Ahmadzai.
