Darwish Rasooli Handed Afghanistan Captaincy for Asian Games

Afghanistan have handed Darwish Rasooli the captaincy for the 2026 Asian Games, with the batter set to lead a youthful 15-member squad in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the squad on August 17, with several emerging players earning their opportunity after strong performances in domestic cricket. The tournament will take place from September 24 to October 3.

Darwish Rasooli to Lead Afghanistan in Asian Games

Rasooli has been entrusted with leading Afghanistan’s side as the team looks to build depth beyond its established stars. The 26-year-old has already experienced international cricket and has captained Afghanistan once before, leading the side in a T20I against Qatar. He made the most of that opportunity, scoring 66 as Afghanistan secured victory.

Rasooli has also been part of Afghanistan’s senior setup across formats. The ACB lists him as a top-order batter who made his international debut in 2022. He previously captained Afghanistan’s emerging side to the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Asia Cup title in 2024. His appointment therefore gives Afghanistan a captain with international and leadership experience despite the developmental focus of the squad.

Afghanistan Select Youthful Squad

The squad contains a mixture of experience and promising domestic performers. Najibullah Zadran and Karim Janat are among the most experienced names alongside Rasooli, while Nangeyalia Kharote is another player with considerable international exposure. The remaining group consists of players looking to establish themselves at the international level.

The 15-member squad is:

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.

Several selections have come directly from the Shpageeza Cricket League. Mohammad Akram impressed with his consistency, while all-rounder Ismat Alam was named Player of the Tournament after scoring 294 runs and taking nine wickets.

Rashid Khan and Other Stars Miss Out

The decision to select a development-focused squad means Afghanistan’s biggest names will not be part of the Asian Games campaign. Regular captain Rashid Khan is absent, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai are also missing from the squad. Their absence creates an opportunity for Afghanistan’s emerging players to have experience in an international multi-sport event. The bowling department will feature Nangyal Kharote and leg-spinner Arab Gul Momand, while Farmanullah Safi, Faridoon Dawoodzai and Abdullah Ahmadzai provide pace options.

Afghanistan Face Japan and Nepal

Afghanistan A have been placed in a group alongside hosts Japan and Nepal for the cricket competition. With several players still seeking to establish themselves, the Asian Games could provide an important platform for Afghanistan’s next generation. For Rasooli, meanwhile, the tournament represents another opportunity to demonstrate his leadership credentials.

With established stars absent and a number of uncapped players included, Afghanistan’s Asian Games campaign will be closely watched. Rasooli’s skill to lead this group can be as important as his batting performances.

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