Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) Has moved rapidly to reshape the leadership of the national party after Hashmatullah Shahidi Stepped down from Test and ODI captaincy. Shahidi’s resignation brings to an end a memorable chapter in Afghanistan cricket, in which the left-handed batsman oversaw one of the team’s most successful periods in the 50-over format.
With preparations underway for the crucial five-match ODI series against Afghanistan ireland Next month, the board has already confirmed its new leadership structure. Along with naming a new captain, the ACB has also appointed a vice-captain as the team looks to build on the progress it has made in recent years in both formats.
Afghanistan announces new captain after Shahidi’s resignation
A day after Shahidi stepped down, the Afghanistan Cricket Board officially appointed Rehmat Shah As the new captain of the national team’s Test and ODI team. The board has also named star wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz As the new vice-captain in both formats.
The newly appointed pair will begin their leadership tenure during Afghanistan’s five-match ODI tour of Ireland next month before continuing their responsibilities in Test cricket. By announcing both appointments simultaneously, the ACB has ensured a smooth leadership transition and maintained stability within the team ahead of a crucial stage in the international calendar.
Rahmat has been one of Afghanistan’s most experienced cricketers across all formats for many years and is expected to bring calmness and consistency to the leadership role. Meanwhile, Gurbaz has emerged as one of the team’s biggest match-winners in recent seasons and will now take on the additional responsibility as vice-captain.
Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves behind a successful tenure
Hashmatullah Shahidi stepped down from the post after leading Afghanistan in 55 ODIs since taking over the captaincy in January 2022. During his tenure, Afghanistan won 27 matches, including memorable victories over England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and this Netherlands But 2023 ODI World CupWhere they missed a place in the semi-finals.
The 31-year-old player also guided Afghanistan to qualification 2025 ICC Champions Trophy And won the ODI series bangladesh, zimbabwe, South Africa And Ireland. Shahidi signed off as captain with his maiden ODI century, scoring 102 against India in Chennai. Although he has resigned from the leadership role, he confirmed that he will continue to represent Afghanistan as a player.
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