The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Wednesday, July 22, that Rahmat Shah has been appointed as the new captain for the national Test and ODI teams. This leadership change follows the resignation of Hashmatullah Shahidi, who stepped down from the position one day prior.
Shahidi’s tenure was marked by significant progress for Afghanistan in international cricket, most notably during the 2023 ODI World Cup. His leadership helped the team secure a historic spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Despite these achievements, Shahidi decided to vacate the role with the next ODI World Cup scheduled for October-November 2027.
In an official statement, the ACB expressed gratitude for Shahidi’s dedication and service, wishing him success in his future endeavors. The board also extended its support to Rahmat Shah, stating they look forward to working with him in his new capacity.
The appointment of Shah is considered a natural progression, as he has served as the vice-captain since May 2021, when Shahidi was first named to the captaincy. Beyond his leadership role, he is also Afghanistan's leading run-getter in Tests and ODIs.
