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The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has, on Wednesday (July 22), announced the new captain for the Afghanistan National Cricket Team. A day after Hashmatullah Shahidi resigned as the Test and ODI captain, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) appointed Rahmat Shah as the new captain.
Rahmat Shah has been serving as Afghanistan's vice-captain in Tests and ODIs since May 2021. With years of international experience, leadership skills, and a strong understanding of the team, he is being seen as the right person to lead Afghanistan forward. Amid this, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah's wives react to CJP's Jantar Mantar protest.
Rahmat Shah replaces Hashmatullah Shahidi as Test and ODI captain, Rahmanullah Gurbaz named deputy
Additionally, the ACB also named the star wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz as the new vice-captain. Both Rahmat Shah and Gurbaz will take charge of the Test and ODI teams.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board said in an official media release: “The ACB is confident that his experience, leadership, and understanding of the team will help Afghanistan achieve further significant success. The Afghanistan Cricket Board wishes both Rahmat Shah Zurmati and Rahmanullah Gurbaz every success in their new leadership roles.”
Shah and Gurbaz will take charge during Afghanistan's upcoming five-match ODI series against Ireland. The ACB is hopeful that the new leaders will lead the Afghanistan National Cricket Team to more success and continue the team’s strong progress in international cricket. Amid this, Mohsin Naqvi's PCB introduces mandatory padel training for Pakistan players.
Hashmatullah Shahidi's successful captaincy tanure
Hashmatullah Shahidi has enjoyed a great time as the Afghanistan captain. During his captaincy, the Afghan side has improved significantly and delivered some memorable performances.
Shahidi led Afghanistan in 55 ODI matches and won 27 of them. Their biggest highlight came in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Afghanistan shocked the cricket world by beating England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands. Those famous wins helped the team finish sixth in the tournament.
Then, Afghanistan qualified for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for the first time because of their incredible 2023 ODI World Cup performance. In their debut appearance, the team once again impressed everyone by beating England and finishing fifth in the tournament.
Under Shahidi's captaincy, Afghanistan also reached their highest-ever seventh place in the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings. They have also enjoyed a brilliant run in ODI series under Shahidi. Between 2024 and 2025, they won five ODI series in a row against Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka.
ACB hails Shahidi's achievements as Afghanistan captain
One of the biggest achievements came against South Africa, as Afghanistan won their first-ever bilateral ODI series against the Proteas. The team also dominated Bangladesh, winning three consecutive ODI series—first in Bangladesh in 2023, and then twice in the UAE in 2024 and 2025.
Praising Shahidi’s leadership, the ACB stated: “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. The Board also wishes Rahmat Shah Zurmati every success in his new role and looks forward to working with him towards achieving the team’s objectives and securing further victories for Afghanistan.”
