Hashmatullah Shahidi resigns as Afghanistan ODI captain after four-and-a-half years
Hashmatullah Shahidi has resigned as Afghanistan's One-Day International captain after a tenure lasting four-and-a-half years. He led the side in 55 ODIs since 2022 and has indicated he will continue to play for the national team despite stepping down.
Shahidi took on the ODI captaincy in 2022 and has been at the helm for 55 matches across that period. His period in charge included notable World Cup campaigns and several significant series victories in the 50-over format. The Afghanistan Cricket Board is expected to appoint a successor prior to the upcoming Ireland tour. Shahidi’s decision marks the end of a sustained leadership spell for the middle-order batter.
During his captaincy the team recorded milestones on cricket’s global stage, with Shahidi guiding Afghanistan through high-profile World Cup fixtures and securing major ODI series wins. Those results established a clearer competitive identity for the side in limited-overs cricket. While individual match details and specific series scores were not disclosed in the announcement, the broader achievements were credited to his stewardship.
The move to resign does not signal a retirement from international cricket for Shahidi. He has confirmed his availability for national selection and is expected to remain a member of Afghanistan’s ODI squad when chosen. That continuity should allow the team to retain experience in the batting unit while a new leader is introduced.
Administrative responsibility for naming the next ODI captain now rests with the Afghanistan Cricket Board. With the Ireland tour on the calendar, selectors and board officials are under a timetable to settle the leadership question before that assignment. The selection will determine who inherits on-field tactical duties and captaincy responsibilities in upcoming 50-over fixtures.
Shahidi’s departure from the captaincy opens a new chapter for Afghanistan’s ODI setup while preserving his role as a player. The board’s forthcoming appointment will set the tone for the team’s immediate strategy, with Shahidi available to contribute within the playing group under fresh leadership.
