Rahmat Shah Named Afghanistan’s Test and ODI Captain
Afghanistan have entered a new leadership phase.
Rahmat Shah has been named the country’s new captain in Tests and ODIs, taking over from Hashmatullah Shahidi, who stepped down after leading Afghanistan through one of the most important growth periods in their international journey.
Shahidi Steps Aside After Important Progress
Hashmatullah Shahidi’s captaincy period saw Afghanistan continue their rise in world cricket. Under him, Afghanistan produced impressive wins at the 2023 ODI World Cup, which helped them qualify for the Champions Trophy for the first time in the 2025 edition.
With the next ODI World Cup scheduled for October-November 2027, Shahidi has chosen to step down, allowing Afghanistan to begin planning their next cycle with a new leader.
A Natural Step for Rahmat Shah
Rahmat Shah’s appointment feels like a natural progression.
He had been Afghanistan’s vice-captain since May 2021, when Shahidi was first named captain. He is also Afghanistan’s leading run-scorer in both Tests and ODIs, giving him seniority, experience and credibility inside the dressing room.
Gurbaz Named Vice-Captain
Afghanistan have also named Rahmanullah Gurbaz as Rahmat Shah’s deputy.
The move gives Afghanistan a leadership combination that mixes stability and modern white-ball energy. Rahmat brings calm and experience, while Gurbaz offers aggression, youth and a strong presence in limited-overs cricket.
ACB Backs the New Leadership
The Afghanistan Cricket Board thanked Shahidi for his service and backed Rahmat Shah for the next phase.
“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 endeavors.”
— Afghanistan Cricket Board.
“The Board also wishes Rahmat Shah Zurmati every success in his new role and looks forward to working with him.”
— Afghanistan Cricket Board.
First Assignment: Ireland ODIs
Rahmat Shah’s first challenge as Afghanistan captain will be the five-match ODI series in Ireland.
That makes the start of his captaincy important. Afghanistan are not just looking at short-term results — they are building towards the next ODI World Cup cycle, and Ireland will be the first test of how this new leadership group shapes the team.
Interesting Angle for Sportish
The most interesting part is the timing.
Afghanistan are making this change with the 2027 ODI World Cup already in view. Shahidi helped take them to a higher level, especially with the 2023 World Cup wins and Champions Trophy qualification. Now Rahmat Shah gets the responsibility of turning that progress into sustained consistency.
It is not just a captaincy change. It is Afghanistan preparing for their next big cricket cycle.
Key Takeaway
Rahmat Shah has been appointed Afghanistan’s new Test and ODI captain after Hashmatullah Shahidi stepped down. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been named vice-captain, and the new leadership group will begin with a five-match ODI series in Ireland.
New era for Afghanistan cricket.
Rahmat Shah has been named Afghanistan’s Test and ODI captain, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz appointed vice-captain after Hashmatullah Shahidi stepped down.
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