Asghar Stanikzai is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler. He first represented Afghanistan U-17s in the 2004 ACC U-19 event.

During 2008-2009, Afghanistan won World Cricket League Division Five, Division Four and Division Three; wherein Stanikzai was a crucial member of the side. This promotion earned Afghanistan a place in the 2009 ICC World Cup Qualifiers and they secured ODI status. Stanikzai made his List-A debut during the World Cup Qualifier against Bermuda and later made his ODI debut against Scotland. Stanikzai played his first Twenty20 International against Ireland in February 2010 and was later named in the squad for 2010 ICC World T20.