Rahmat Shah has been appointed Afghanistan new Test and ODI captain after Hashmatullah Shahidi stepped down. The experienced batter, who served as Shahidi deputy, will lead the team into a new era, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz named vice captain. His first major assignment will be Afghanistan upcoming ODI series against Ireland.
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| Rahmat Shah has been appointed Afghanistan new Test and ODI captain. |
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has appointed veteran batter Rahmat Shah as the new captain of Afghanistan Test and One Day International teams, marking a major change in the leadership structure of the national side.
The decision follows Hashmatullah Shahidi resignation from the captaincy, bringing an end to a successful period under his leadership. Rahmat Shah, who had served as Shahidi deputy since 2021, will now take charge of the team across both formats.
Rahmat Shah Takes Charge of Afghanistan Red Ball and ODI Teams
The appointment gives Afghanistan a highly experienced leader at an important stage in the team development. Rahmat Shah has been a central figure in Afghan cricket for more than a decade and has played a key role in the side rise on the international stage.
The veteran batter made his international debut in 2013 and has since become one of Afghanistan most experienced players. According to the ICC, he has represented the country in 128 ODIs and 12 Tests.
His experience in international cricket and familiarity with the squad were among the factors that made him a natural choice to succeed Shahidi.
Gurbaz Named Vice Captain
Alongside Rahmat Shah appointment, Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been named vice captain of Afghanistan Test and ODI teams.
The decision places two important figures from Afghanistan current generation at the center of the team new leadership structure. Gurbaz brings an aggressive batting style and significant international experience, while Rahmat Shah offers stability and leadership experience in the middle order.
Hashmatullah Shahidi Leaves Behind a Successful Captaincy Record
Hashmatullah Shahidi departure marks the end of a highly successful chapter for Afghanistan cricket.
During his time as captain, Afghanistan produced several memorable performances in major international tournaments. The team recorded famous victories over England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, finishing sixth in the tournament. Afghanistan also secured qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy and made its debut in the competition.
Under Shahidi, Afghanistan also achieved a number of important bilateral successes, including a historic ODI series victory over South Africa. His leadership helped establish Afghanistan as a more competitive force in international cricket.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board thanked Shahidi for his service, dedication and leadership during his tenure as captain.
Rahmat Shah First Assignment Will Come Against Ireland
Rahmat Shah first major challenge as Afghanistan new captain will arrive soon.
The new leadership group is expected to take charge during Afghanistan upcoming ODI series against Ireland. The series is scheduled to begin on August 5, 2026, giving Rahmat Shah an immediate opportunity to begin shaping the team under his leadership.
The series will also provide an early test of the new captaincy combination involving Rahmat Shah and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
A New Leadership Era Begins for Afghanistan Cricket
Afghanistan has already undergone several changes in its leadership structure across different formats in recent months. The appointment of Rahmat Shah as Test and ODI captain now gives the team an experienced figure to lead its longer format and 50 over cricket.
Rahmat Shah will inherit a side that has established itself as a serious competitor in international cricket. The challenge now will be to maintain the progress made under Shahidi while continuing to develop Afghanistan next generation of players.
With Rahmat Shah experience, Gurbaz attacking approach and a talented squad featuring several established international stars, Afghanistan will hope this new leadership era can produce even greater success in the years ahead.