ACB names Rahmat Shah Zurmati new ODI, Test captain — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Wednesday appointed experienced middle-order batter Rahmat Shah Zurmati as the national team’s new One-Day International (ODI) and Test captain following the resignation of Hashmatullah Shahidi. ACB also named top-order batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz as vice-captain in both formats, the board said in a statement. It said Hashmatullah Shahidi was appointed Afghanistan captain on May 31, 2021 and began his tenure with a series victory over the Netherlands in January 2022. Shahidi led Afghanistan to 27 victories in 55 ODIs. He also guided the team to four memorable wins at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, where Afghanistan defeated England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands to finish sixth in the tournament. Afghanistan’s impressive World Cup campaign also secured qualification for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. On the team’s historic debut in the tournament, Shahidi led Afghanistan to a notable victory over England as the side finished fifth overall. Rahmat Shah has served as Afghanistan’s vice-captain in both the ODI and Test formats since May 31, 2021, when Shahidi was appointed captain. Alongside Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz will serve as vice-captain in both formats. The pair will assume their new roles during Afghanistan’s upcoming series against Ireland. Afghanistan are scheduled to play a five-match ODI series against Ireland from August 5 to 15.