Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Wednesday appointed Rahmat Shah as the new captain of the Test and ODI sides following Hashmatullah Shahidi’s decision to leave the role.
Shahidi, 31, captained Afghanistan in 55 ODIs between January 2022 and June 2026, with his last final assignment coming against India.
Under his leadership, Afghanistan won 27 games, with memorable wins against England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands at the 2023 World Cup, where they came close to qualifying for the semi-finals.
Rahmat will lead the side, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz named as his deputy. After making his debut in 2018, the 33-year-old Rahmat has played 12 Tests and 128 ODIs, amassing 4121 runs at an average of 35.22.
ACB confirmed the announcement in a press release statement.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
“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.
“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,” it added.
Rahmat had served as Afghanistan’s vice-captain in Tests and ODIs since 2021, and this appointment marks the next step in his leadership career. Both Rahmat and Gurbaz, 24, are yet to captain Afghanistan in international cricket.
Afghanistan’s next series will be against Ireland in August 2026, where they will play five ODIs.
READ: Babar, Azan hit tons as Pakistan-West Indies Select XI warm-up ends in draw