Darwish Rasooli will captain a youthful Afghanistan side at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, with the selectors handing opportunities to a number of promising players looking to make their mark on the international stage.

Afghanistan have selected six uncapped players in their 15-member squad, while another five players have fewer than 10 international appearances. The squad therefore represents a significant investment in emerging talent as Afghanistan look to strengthen their next generation of cricketers.

Rasooli to Lead an Inexperienced Squad

Rasooli will take charge of a squad that combines a small group of experienced players with several exciting prospects.

Karim Janat and Najibullah Zadran are expected to provide valuable experience alongside the captain, while Nangeyalia Kharote is the only other player in the squad with more than 10 international appearances.

Kharote is likely to play an important role with the ball and is expected to lead Afghanistan’s spin attack during the tournament.

The decision to select such an inexperienced squad gives several players an opportunity to perform on a major multi-sport stage.

Shpageeza League Performers Rewarded

Afghanistan’s domestic T20 competition, the Shpageeza Cricket League, has played an important role in the selection process.

Mohammad Akram, who finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the previous SCL season, has earned his place in the Asian Games squad. Khalid Taniwal has also been rewarded after producing one of the competition’s best strike rates.

Their selection highlights the growing importance of domestic cricket in Afghanistan’s talent-development pathway.

Ismat Alam Among Players to Watch

Seam-bowling allrounder Ismat Alam is another intriguing name in the squad.

Alam has already represented Afghanistan in two Test matches and enters the Asian Games after an outstanding SCL campaign. He was named Player of the Tournament after scoring 294 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 168.

He also made a significant contribution with the ball, taking nine wickets at an average of 16.77.

His ability to contribute in both departments could make him one of Afghanistan’s most important players during the tournament.

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U-19 World Cup Star Earns Selection

Faisal Shinozada has also been rewarded for his impressive performances at youth level.

Shinozada scored a century against India in the Under-19 World Cup semi-final in February, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure against high-quality opposition.

He will now have the opportunity to transition that promise into senior international cricket.

Another player attracting attention is Hassan Eisakhil, who is the son of former Afghanistan allrounder Mohammad Nabi. His selection adds another interesting storyline to Afghanistan’s squad.

Farmanullah Brings Recent Form

Fast bowler Farmanullah will enter the Asian Games with strong recent credentials.

He was the leading wicket-taker in the recent one-day tri-series in Sri Lanka involving Sri Lanka A and India A, finishing the tournament with 10 wickets.

His ability to take wickets consistently could be particularly important for an Afghanistan side that lacks extensive international experience.

Farmanullah will be joined in the pace department by Abdollah Ahmadzai and Faridoon Dawoodzai, while Ismat Alam and Karim Janat provide additional seam-bowling options.

Afghanistan’s Spin Options

Spin remains a key part of Afghanistan’s cricketing identity, but the Asian Games squad has relatively limited experience in this department.

Nangyal Kharote is expected to lead the spin attack, with legspinner Arab Gul Momand the only other specialist spinner selected.

Kharote’s experience could therefore prove crucial, particularly if conditions in Japan offer assistance to the slower bowlers.

A Chance for Afghanistan’s Next Generation

The Asian Games provide Afghanistan with an excellent platform to expose young players to international competition.

With six uncapped players and several others still at the beginning of their international careers, the tournament could help Afghanistan identify players capable of progressing into their senior setup.

The presence of experienced figures such as Rasooli, Janat and Najibullah should provide the younger members of the squad with leadership and guidance.

For Rasooli, meanwhile, captaincy represents an opportunity to demonstrate his leadership qualities while continuing his development as a senior Afghanistan batter.

Afghanistan Squad for Asian Games 2026

Afghanistan’s 15-member squad is:

Darwish Rasooli (captain), Mohammad Ishaq (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal, Imran Mir, Faisal Shinozada, Najibullah Zadran, Farmanullah, Ismat Alam, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharote, Arab Gul Momand, Faridoon Dawoodzai and Abdollah Ahmadzai.