Afghanistan name new ODI and Test captain after Shahidi's departure

KABUL: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Wednesday appointed experienced middle-order batter Rahmat Shah as the ODI and Test captain of its men's cricket team.

Rahmat, who has represented the Atalans in 12 Tests and 128 ODIs thus far, replaced top-order batter Hashmatullah Shahidi, who relinquished the role with immediate effect on Tuesday, bringing an end to a four-and-a-half-year tenure in charge.

Wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz will deputise the 33-year-old in the leadership role, while his first assignment as Afghanistan's longer-format captain will be a three-match away ODI series against Ireland, scheduled to be played from August 5 to 10.

"The Afghanistan Cricket Board has appointed experienced middle-order batter Rahmat Shah Zurmati as Afghanistan's new Test and ODI captain, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz as his deputy, following Hashmatullah Shahidi's resignation from the role last evening," the cricket board said in a statement.

The ACB acknowledged Shahidi's "valuable service" as the captain of its national team, which achieved multiple milestone victories during his tenure.

"The Afghanistan Cricket Board appreciates Hashmatullah Shahidi's valuable service, dedication, and leadership during his tenure as captain and wishes him continued success in his future endeavours."

The 31-year-old led Afghanistan in 55 ODIs from January 2022 until their most recent assignment against India in June 2026.

During his spell as captain, Shahidi guided Afghanistan at the 2023 Asia Cup, the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

One of the highlights of his captaincy came at the 2023 World Cup, where Afghanistan registered memorable victories over England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands. The team narrowly missed out on a place in the semi-finals after finishing sixth in the standings.

The cricket board also wished newly-appointed captain Rahmat "ever success" in his new role as it reiterated its commitment to collectively work with the 33-year-old to achieve the team's objectives and secure further victories for Afghanistan.

"The Board also wishes Rahmat Shah Zurmati every success in his new role and looks forward to working with him towards achieving the team's objectives and securing to achieve the team's objectives and secure further victories for Afghanistan."