Rahmat Shah has been appointed Afghanistan’s new leader in ODI and Test cricket after Hashmatullah Shahidi stepped down from both roles with immediate effect. The Afghanistan Cricket Board also confirmed Rahmanullah Gurbaz as vice captain in the two formats.
Shahidi’s tenure began in January 2022 and covered 55 one day internationals, ending after the recent series against India in June 2026. During that period, Afghanistan recorded 27 victories and enjoyed several landmark results on the global stage.
His most memorable campaign came at the 2023 World Cup, where Afghanistan defeated England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands. Those performances carried them close to a historic semifinal appearance before they eventually finished sixth. That position earned qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai.
Afghanistan again overcame England at the Champions Trophy, although their hopes of reaching the last four ended after the match against Australia was abandoned because of rain. Shahidi also guided the side to bilateral series successes against Bangladesh three times, Zimbabwe twice, and South Africa and Ireland once each.
Rahmat, aged 33, now takes charge after serving as deputy in Tests and ODIs since 2021. Since his international debut in 2018, he has represented Afghanistan in 12 Tests and 128 ODIs. He is the country’s highest ODI run scorer with 4,121 runs at an average of 35.22.
Known for his sound technique and calm approach under pressure, Rahmat will now face his first international assignment as skipper. Gurbaz, 24, will also enter a senior leadership role for the first time.
Shahidi leaves the post with similar batting returns as both captain and player. His latest ODI innings brought his only century, a score of 102 from 131 balls against India in Chennai. Afghanistan will next tour Ireland in August for five ODIs under their refreshed leadership structure.
