The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Wednesday appointed Rahmat Shah Zurmati as captain of the national men’s Test and ODI teams, following the resignation of Hashmatullah Shahidi.
The board also named Rahmanullah Gurbaz as vice-captain in both formats. The leadership changes will take effect ahead of Afghanistan’s upcoming series against Ireland, the ACB said in a statement.
Rahmat Shah, a veteran middle-order batter, has served as Afghanistan’s vice-captain in both Test and ODI cricket since 2021. The board said his experience and familiarity with the team made him well suited to lead the side.
Shahidi stepped down after more than five years as captain, having taken charge in May 2021.
During his tenure, Afghanistan won 27 of 55 One-Day Internationals under his leadership and recorded some of the most significant results in the country’s cricket history.
At the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Shahidi captained Afghanistan to victories over England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, helping the team finish sixth and qualify for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Afghanistan later made its Champions Trophy debut under Shahidi, defeating England before finishing fifth in the tournament. During his captaincy, the team also reached a record-high seventh place in the ICC men’s ODI rankings.
The ACB credited Shahidi with helping Afghanistan secure five consecutive ODI series victories between 2024 and 2025, including the country’s first bilateral series win over South Africa.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board appreciates Hashmatullah Shahidi’s valuable service, dedication and leadership during his tenure as captain,” the board said, wishing both Shahidi and the new leadership success.
Rahmat Shah and Gurbaz are expected to lead Afghanistan in their first assignment during the upcoming Ireland series.
