Rahmat Shah replaces Hashmatullah Shahidi as Afghanistan ODI and Test captain
Rahmat Shah Replaces Hashmatullah Shahidi as Afghanistan ODI and Test Captain: Afghanistan Cricket has entered a new chapter after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the appointment of experienced batter Rahmat Shah as the new captain of the national team’s One-Day International (ODI) and Test sides. The leadership change comes after Hashmatullah Shahidi stepped down from the role following nearly five years at the helm.
Rahmat Shah, one of Afghanistan’s most reliable batters across formats, will take over the captaincy with immediate effect. The ACB also confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been appointed vice-captain for both ODI and Test cricket.
A New Leader for Afghanistan
Rahmat Shah has been a key figure in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket over the past decade. Having represented the country since 2013, he has built a reputation as a dependable middle-order batter and an experienced campaigner in both red-ball and white-ball cricket.
The 32-year-old has previously served as vice-captain under Hashmatullah Shahidi since 2021, making him a natural choice to take over the leadership role. His familiarity with the squad and calm approach on the field were among the reasons behind the board’s decision.
In its official statement, the Afghanistan Cricket Board expressed confidence that Rahmat’s experience and leadership qualities would help the team continue its upward trajectory in international cricket.
End of Shahidi’s Successful Era
Hashmatullah Shahidi’s resignation marks the end of one of the most successful captaincy periods in Afghanistan cricket history. He was appointed captain in 2021 and officially began leading the ODI side in early 2022.
Under Shahidi’s leadership, Afghanistan enjoyed several memorable achievements. The team produced an outstanding campaign at the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, defeating cricket powerhouses including England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands. Afghanistan finished sixth in the tournament, narrowly missing out on a place in the semi-finals while securing qualification for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Shahidi also guided Afghanistan to several bilateral ODI series victories against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and South Africa. His leadership helped establish Afghanistan as one of the fastest-rising teams in world cricket.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board thanked Shahidi for his commitment, professionalism, and contributions to the team’s development during his tenure.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz Named Vice-Captain
Alongside Rahmat Shah’s appointment, the ACB announced Rahmanullah Gurbaz as the new vice-captain in both formats.
Gurbaz has emerged as one of Afghanistan’s biggest stars in recent years thanks to his aggressive batting at the top of the order. The board believes his energy and leadership potential will complement Rahmat Shah’s calm and experienced approach.
The new leadership combination is expected to guide Afghanistan through an important phase as the team prepares for upcoming ICC tournaments and bilateral series.
First Assignment Against Ireland
Rahmat Shah’s first challenge as captain will be the upcoming five-match ODI series against Ireland, scheduled to begin on August 5. The Ireland tour will provide the new captain an early opportunity to establish his leadership style and build momentum ahead of future international competitions.
Afghanistan will also continue developing its Test cricket program, with Rahmat expected to play a central role in strengthening the team’s performances in the longest format.
Strong Record and Vast Experience
Rahmat Shah is regarded as one of Afghanistan’s most accomplished batters in international cricket. His consistency, especially in Test cricket, has made him one of the pillars of the national side.
He has represented Afghanistan in over 120 ODIs and multiple Test matches, scoring crucial runs in difficult conditions while often anchoring the innings. His experience as vice-captain over the past several years means he is already familiar with the team’s structure, coaching staff, and leadership responsibilities, making the transition smoother.
Looking Ahead
Afghanistan cricket has made remarkable progress over the last decade, transforming from an emerging nation into a competitive international side capable of defeating top-ranked teams.
With Rahmat Shah now leading the ODI and Test teams, expectations remain high that Afghanistan can continue building on the strong foundation laid by Hashmatullah Shahidi. The leadership transition also reflects the board’s desire for continuity, as Rahmat has already been closely involved in the team’s strategic planning during Shahidi’s tenure.
As Afghanistan prepares for its upcoming series against Ireland and future ICC events, fans will be hoping that Rahmat Shah’s calm leadership and extensive experience can guide the team toward even greater success on the international stage.
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