New Afghanistan captain takes charge for maiden assignment 

Afghanistan have unveiled their 15-member squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against Ireland. 

Having been recently named the new skipper for ODIs and Tests, Rahmat Shah is set to take charge in his first series as captain. 

Meanwhile, wicket-keeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz will be his chief deputy. Major inclusions in the squad see the return of Fazalhaq Farooqi and Yamin Ahmadzai to strengthen the pace bowling.

Afghanistan squad: Rahmat Shah (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil, Nangyal Kharotai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Saleem Safi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi

While Farooqi last featured in the ODI side back in February 2025 during the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, Ahmadzai hasn’t been part of the ODI setup since 2022. 

In other news, spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman isn’t part of the squad owing to injury. 

The upcoming series marks a new era in Afghanistan cricket after Hashmatullah Shahidi stepped down from his role as captain in ODIs and Tests.

Under his captaincy, Afghanistan had produced some of the most memorable results in their ODI history, which included Men’s Cricket World Cup wins over Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England as well as a Champions Trophy triumph for the ages against England.

The five-match ODI series between Afghanistan and Ireland will commence on August 5 in Bready.

Series schedule:

1st ODI: August 5, Bready

2nd ODI: August 7, Bready

3rd ODI: August 10, Stormont

4th ODI: August 12, Stormont

5th ODI: August 15, Stormont