Afghanistan skipper resigns from ODI captaincy role
Afghanistan are on the lookout for a new ODI captain after Hashmatullah Shahidi announced he was stepping down from the role.
Afghanistan batter Hashmatullah Shahidi has announced he is resigning as captain of the national ODI side.
Shahidi has performed the role since taking over at the start of 2022, with the 31-year-old leading the side at the most recent edition of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2023 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
Skipper Shahidi lifts Afghanistan fortunes with his marvellous 80 | CWC23
Afghanistan's Hashmatullah Shahidi scored a 80 off merely 88 balls to help his side reach 272 against India in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023.
Afghanistan produced some good results at both of those tournaments, with the team managing wins over England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Netherlands at the 50-over World Cup in India to narrowly miss out on the knockout stages.
Shahidi's unbeaten fifty leads Afghanistan to third win | CWC23
Highlights of Hashmatullah Shahidi's half-century, which consisted of six fours.
But Shahidi's reign of more than four and a half years is over, with the left-handed batter taking to social media to reveal his decision.
"Today I announce with full respect and consent that I am resigning as captain of my team at my personal decision," Shahidi said.
"It was a great honor for me to perform this responsibility as a Captain. I am proud to have served alongside my team with honesty, unity and commitment.
"By the grace of Allah, with the efforts of the officials, coaches and players, we have achieved many victories, won important matches, defeated big teams and made the name of the team higher.
"All these achievements are not just mine, but also the result of the teamwork, sacrifices and coordination of the entire team.
"I thank all the players of my team from the bottom of my heart who always supported me and stood shoulder to shoulder with me in every victory and every challenge.
"I also thank the officials and the administration of the team who believed in me and always supported me. Your trust and cooperation will always be an honor for me."
Shahidi confirmed he will continue to make himself available as a player in the ODI setup, with the side expected to announce a new captain prior to their upcoming five-match ODI series against Ireland at the start of next month.