Kabul – July 22, 2026: The Afghanistan Cricket Board has appointed experienced middle-order batter Rahmat Shah Zurmati as Afghanistan’s new Test and ODI captain, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz as his deputy, following Hashmatullah Shahidi’s resignation from the role last evening.
Hashmatullah
Shahidi was appointed captain of the Afghanistan national team on May 31, 2021,
and began his tenure with a series victory over the Netherlands in January
2022. During his successful tenure as captain, Afghanistan achieved several
significant victories and milestones while making notable progress in the
international rankings.
Shahidi
led Afghanistan to 27 victories in 55 ODIs during his captaincy. He also guided
the team to four memorable victories at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023,
where Afghanistan defeated England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands,
resulting in Afghanistan finishing sixth in the tournament.
Afghanistan’s
impressive campaign at the CWC23 also secured the team’s qualification for the
ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where, on Afghanistan’s historic debut in the
tournament, Shahidi led the team to a notable victory over England as
Afghanistan finished fifth overall.
Under
Shahidi’s leadership, Afghanistan also achieved its highest-ever seventh
position in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, which marked another significant
milestone in the history of Afghan cricket.
Shahidi
further led Afghanistan to five consecutive ODI series victories between 2024
and 2025, against Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Bangladesh.
The series victory over South Africa was Afghanistan’s first-ever bilateral
series win against the Proteas. During his tenure, Shahidi also led Afghanistan
to three consecutive ODI series victories over Bangladesh, first in Bangladesh
in 2023, followed by series victories in the UAE in 2024 and 2025.
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. 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 securingto achieve the team’s objectives and secure further victories for
Afghanistan.
Rahmat Shah has served consistently as Afghanistan’s vice-captain in both the Test and ODI formats since May 31, 2021, when Hashmatullah Shahidi was appointed captain. With extensive experience in international cricket, leadership, and the team’s overall structure, Rahmat Shah is well positioned to take on this important responsibility.
The
ACB is confident that his experience, leadership, and understanding of the team
will help Afghanistan achieve further significant success.
Alongside
Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz will serve as vice-captain in both formats. The
two will assume their new responsibilities during Afghanistan’s upcoming series
against Ireland and are expected to lead the team towards further positive
achievements.
The
Afghanistan Cricket Board wishes both Rahmat Shah Zurmati and Rahmanullah
Gurbaz every success in their new leadership roles.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Commercial
Department
Afghanistan
Cricket Board (ACB)
Email: Marketing@Afghancricket.af
Website: www.acb.af