New era begins as Afghanistan appoint ODI, Test captain
Afghanistan's veteran batter has been appointed the new ODI and Test captain.
Afghanistan have appointed the experienced Rahmat Shah as the new captain of their ODI and Test teams following Hashmatullah Shahidi's decision to step down from the role.
Rahmat, who made his international debut in 2013, brings a wealth of experience, having represented Afghanistan in 128 ODIs and 12 Tests.
Rahmat Shah's gritty knock | AFG v SA | Champions Trophy 2025
Rahmat Shah with a gritty knock | AFG v SA | Champions Trophy 2025
Rahmat served as vice-captain under Hashmatullah Shahidi during one of the most successful periods in Afghanistan's cricketing history, which included a memorable campaign at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023.
Afghanistan narrowly missed out on a place in the knockout stage after registering famous victories over England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands. They also secured qualification for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for the first time in the nation's history.
Alongside Rahmat's appointment, Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been named vice-captain of Afghanistan's ODI and Test teams.
Rahmat's first assignment as captain will be the upcoming ODI series against Ireland, which gets underway on 5 August.