Afghanistan names Rahmat Shah captain of Test and ODI teams

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has appointed Rahmat Shah as the new captain of the national men's Test and One-Day International teams, with wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz named vice-captain for both formats. The leadership change, announced on July 22, 2026, follows the resignation of Hashmatullah Shahidi, who stepped down from the role the previous evening.

Shahidi, who had led the side since May 2021, announced his decision in an emotional statement on social media, citing careful personal consideration. He expressed gratitude to the team management, coaches, teammates, and supporters, and confirmed he would continue his international career as a player. The board moved swiftly to confirm his successor, ensuring stability ahead of a five-match ODI series against Ireland scheduled from August 5 to 15, which will be the new leadership duo's first assignment.

Rahmat Shah, a 33-year-old middle-order batter, is a natural choice for the promotion, having served as the team's vice-captain since Shahidi's appointment in 2021. He is Afghanistan's leading run-scorer in both Tests and ODIs. The board expressed confidence that his extensive experience and understanding of the team...