Afghanistan name new Test and ODI captain after Hashmatullah Shahidi’s exit

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The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has moved swiftly to reshape the leadership of the national side after Hashmatullah Shahidi stepped down from the Test and ODI captaincy. Shahidi’s resignation marked the end of a memorable chapter in Afghanistan cricket, with the left-handed batter overseeing one of the team’s most successful periods in the 50-over format.

With Afghanistan preparing for an important five-match ODI series against 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 made in recent years across both formats.

A day after Shahidi stepped down, the Afghanistan Cricket Board officially appointed Rahmat Shah as the new captain of the national team’s Test and ODI sides. The board also named star wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz as the new vice-captain in both formats.

The newly appointed duo will begin their leadership stint during Afghanistan’s five-match ODI tour of Ireland next month before continuing their responsibilities in Test cricket. By announcing both appointments together, the ACB has ensured a smooth leadership transition and maintained stability within the squad ahead of an important phase in the international calendar.

Rahmat has been one of Afghanistan’s most experienced cricketers across formats for several years and is expected to bring calmness and consistency to the leadership role. Gurbaz, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the team’s biggest match-winners in recent seasons and will now take on added responsibility as the deputy captain.

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Hashmatullah Shahidi stepped down 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 the Netherlands at the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they narrowly missed out on a place in the semi-finals.

The 31-year-old also guided Afghanistan to qualification for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and oversaw ODI series wins against 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 stepped down from the leadership role, he confirmed that he will continue representing Afghanistan as a player.

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