The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has placed Afghanistan national cricket team in Group D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Canada for the 2026 tournament co‑hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Afghanistan is scheduled to open its campaign on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, when it faces New Zealand in Chennai, local time. The full group‑stage schedule was released in a graphic by the ACB, which described the draw as a key step toward the team’s preparations for the global event.
The T20 World Cup — cricket’s flagship Twenty20 global tournament — returns as a major opportunity for Afghanistan to advance its international presence amid growing popularity of the sport in the country. Since earning Full Member status of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2017, Afghanistan has sought to build a competitive squad on the world stage.
Group D matches are scheduled at venues across India and Sri Lanka. The top two teams from each group will move on to the Super 8 stage, leading to semifinals and a final in March 2026. Cricket analysts say Afghanistan will need to balance its seasoned spin attack with stronger batting performance to contend with fast‑paced teams like New Zealand and South Africa.
The ACB’s announcement came with a social media post noting the “much‑awaited fixtures” and the country’s excitement about competing in the event, which promises exposure for Afghan cricket amid regional tensions and rising interest at home.
