Afghanistan has announced their squads for the upcoming tour of India, which will take place right after the conclusion of IPL 2026. The tour is set to include one Test match and a three-game ODI series, making it more than just a focus on the longer format. The schedule starts on June 6 and runs until June 20, with minimal breaks in between.
The IPL will wrap up on May 31, after which international cricket will once again be in the spotlight. Both India and Afghanistan will use this leg as a build-up phase for what comes next, particularly the 2027 ODI World Cup, where maintaining momentum will be crucial for both teams.
Hashmatullah Shahidi has been named captain for both the Test and ODI squads. The Afghan cricket board has opted for a combination of experienced players and younger, promising talents for this challenging away assignment.
Azmatullah Omarzai in Test squad
One of the more talked-about selections in the announcement is Azmatullah Omarzai being included in the Test team. The all-rounder has faced fitness issues over the past few months, but the selectors have still chosen to back him despite these concerns.
The Afghan camp believes that Omarzai can contribute in both formats, provided his body holds up during the tour. They see his all-round skills as essential for providing stability to the side in a practical way.
Rashid Khan’s role
Meanwhile, Rashid Khan is only included in the ODI squad. The decision is clear: Afghanistan wants to challenge India in white-ball conditions and is relying on Rashid’s impact in that format.
Young players get the chance
Afghanistan has also given opportunities to some emerging players for the India trip. Bilal Sami and Zia Sharifi are among those expected to make an impression against a strong Indian side, and they will need to do so early in the series.
Bilal Sami has already played two ODIs and taken five wickets overall. The team management is closely watching to see if he can maintain that early momentum against India’s top order, where it really matters.
Zia Sharifi has previously represented Afghanistan in Tests and T20Is as well. The right-arm pacer will look to take advantage of this opportunity and translate his pace into results, especially on Indian tracks where conditions can be unpredictable.
Afghanistan ODI squad vs India
– Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
– Abdul Malik
– Sediqullah Atal
– Rahmat Shah
– Rahmanullah Gurbaz
– Rahmanullah Zadran
– Afsar Zazai (WK)
– Ikram Alikhil (WK)
– Azmatullah Omarzai
– Sharafudin Ashraf
– Nangyal Kharotai
– Qais Ahmad
– Bilal Sami
– Zia Sharifi
– Saleem Safi
– Rashid Khan
Reserve pool:
– Bashir Ahmad
– Bahir Shah
– Ismat Alam
Afghanistan Test squad vs India
– Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
– Abdul Malik
– Sediqullah Atal
– Rahmat Shah
– Rahmanullah Gurbaz
– Rahmanullah Zadran
– Afsar Zazai (WK)
– Ikram Alikhil (WK)
– Azmatullah Omarzai
– Sharafudin Ashraf
– Nangyal Kharotai
– Qais Ahmad
– Bilal Sami
– Zia Sharifi
– Saleem Safi
Full Schedule of Afghanistan Tour of India
– One-off Test
Venue: New Chandigarh
Date and Time: June 6, 9:30 AM
1st ODI
Venue: Dharamsala
Date and Time: June 13, 1:30 PM2nd ODI
Venue: Lucknow
Date and Time: June 17, 1:30 PM3rd ODI
Venue: Chennai
Date and Time: June 20, 1:30 PM
India series key for Afghanistan
This India tour serves as a real test for Afghanistan as they continue to improve their standing in international cricket. Facing India, in Indian conditions, against a strong side will provide valuable experience that cannot be replicated at home.
The ODI matches will also help Afghanistan prepare for the 2027 World Cup. Younger players will have a platform to stake their claim, while senior members are expected to guide the team through the pressure of a demanding tour.
Afghanistan aims to remain competitive and finish the trip with positive performances in both formats, not just one.
