Afghanistan has made a squad adjustment at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, with Aqil Khan Obaid approved as a replacement for Hafieezullah Zadran.
The change follows Zadran’s withdrawal from the tournament after he sustained a fracture to his left wrist during Afghanistan’s opening match against South Africa. Medical evaluation confirmed that the injury would prevent him from taking further part in the competition.
Tournament regulations require all player replacements to receive formal clearance before being added to the official squad. The approval was granted by the Event Technical Committee, enabling Obaid to join the Afghanistan team for the remainder of the World Cup.
The Event Technical Committee for the U19 tournament is chaired by Wasim Khan, with members Sarah Edgar, Hamilton Masakadza and independent nominee Tash Farrant overseeing squad matters.
Afghanistan continues their campaign with the revised lineup as the competition progresses.