Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq will return to Afghanistan's Twenty20 international squad for the three-match series against India after a two-year absence, with the aim of building the side for future events.

Afghanistan have long used India and the United Arab Emirates as home venues because of the country's political and security challenges.

Debutant spinner Manav Suthar took three wickets to dent Afghanistan's reply after India declared their innings on 564-8 in their one-off cricket Test on Sunday.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said Zadran's appointment is in alignment for future build-up.

The Afghanistan team used India as a cricketing base for several years because of political and security challenges at home before shifting to the United Arab Emirates.

Previous foreign coaches were based outside the country and typically joined the squad during training camps in the UAE or India before international tournaments.

During his tenure, Afghanistan reached their first T20 World Cup semi-final in 2024, and fell just short of reaching the semis at the 50-over World Cup in 2023.

This was the first time a T20 World Cup match went into a second Super Over, and only the second such instance in T20Is.

Aside from replicating -- or even bettering -- their run from the previous edition, Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan will also be eyeing a unique individual milestone as he leads his side in their T20 World Cup 2026 opener against New Zealand in Chennai today.

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder capped a remarkable 2025 by becoming the most prolific wicket-taker in T20 cricket in a single calendar year, breaking a long-standing record held by Afghanistan’s spin king Rashid Khan.

Zimbabwe will feature in next month's Twenty20 international tri-series in Pakistan after Afghanistan withdrew over political tension with the host country, officials said Saturday.

That's what makes the Abu Dhabi fixture one of those rare moments multi-nation tournaments produce. Two sides fighting for survival, while a third watches nervously from afar.

Bangladesh won by eight runs.

Coming into the tournament, Liton Das and his side looked confident, showing signs of stability. Yet after a heavy defeat to Sri Lanka, the atmosphere has turned tense.

Once underdogs, Afghanistan now stride into the Asia Cup with fire in their belly and eyes on the prize. Explosive openers, a lethal spin arsenal, and a squad that thrives under pressure make them a team ready to shake up Asia’s cricketing heavyweights.

Afghanistan are drawn alongside Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong in Group B of the Asia Cup.

Having shocked the world in last year’s ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Jonathan Trott’s side are now just one win away from reaching the final four yet again.

Afghanistan is set to face England in Lahore on Wednesday in their second group-stage match of the Champions Trophy, marking their debut in the tournament.

Afghanistan open their Group B campaign in the Champions Trophy against South Africa in Karachi on Friday.

Ghazanfar will miss the eight-team event held in Pakistan and the UAE in what is a blow to Afghanistan's spin department that is already missing experienced spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman.