Afghanistan has appointed Rahmat Shah as its new captain in both Test and One-Day International (ODI) cricket following the resignation of Hashmatullah Shahidi, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Wednesday.
The leadership change comes as Afghanistan begins preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with Shah set to lead the team for the first time during the upcoming ODI series against Ireland.
Shahidi Steps Down
Hashmatullah Shahidi resigned from the captaincy after overseeing one of the most successful periods in Afghanistan’s cricket history.
During his tenure, Afghanistan produced memorable performances at the 2023 ODI World Cup, recording impressive victories that helped secure qualification for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, marking the country’s first appearance in the tournament.
With the next ODI World Cup scheduled for October and November 2027, Shahidi decided it was the right time to step aside.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board thanked Shahidi for his dedication and leadership, acknowledging his significant contribution to the team’s rise on the international stage.
Rahmat Shah Takes Charge
Rahmat Shah’s appointment is seen as a natural progression after serving as Afghanistan’s vice-captain since May 2021.
One of the country’s most experienced batters, Shah is Afghanistan’s highest run-scorer in both Test and ODI cricket.
His consistency with the bat and years of leadership experience within the squad made him the preferred choice to take over the captaincy.
The ACB expressed confidence that Shah would successfully lead the team into its next phase of international cricket.
Gurbaz Named Vice-Captain
Alongside the captaincy announcement, the Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been appointed as the team’s new vice-captain.
The promotion reflects Gurbaz’s growing importance within Afghanistan’s white-ball setup and positions him as one of the future leaders of the national team.
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First Assignment in Ireland
Rahmat Shah’s first series as captain will be a five-match ODI series against Ireland.
The tour will provide Afghanistan with an opportunity to begin a new chapter under fresh leadership while continuing preparations for upcoming ICC events.
With an experienced squad and a new captain at the helm, Afghanistan will be aiming to build on the progress made in recent years and continue its rise in international cricket.