Several players have earned their opportunity after standout performances in Afghanistan’s domestic T20 competition, the Shpageeza Cricket League.
Mohammad Akram, the second-highest run-scorer in the most recent SCL season, has been rewarded for his consistency, while Khalid Taniwal’s impressive strike rate has also earned him a place in the squad.
Ismat was arguably the standout performer of the tournament. The seam-bowling allrounder finished as Player of the Tournament after striking 294 runs at 168 and claiming nine wickets at an average of 16.77. He has also represented Afghanistan in two Tests.
Faisal Shinozada, who scored a century against India in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup semi-final in February, while Hassan Eisakhil, son of Afghanistan great Mohammad Nabi, has also been included.
The cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games will take place from September 24 to October 3 in Japan.
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.
