Hashmatullah Shahidi has stepped down as the ODI captain of the Afghanistan national cricket team, ending a four-and-a-half-year spell. He led the Afghans’ dream World Cup campaign on Indian soil in 2023. They overcame heavyweights like England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, but fell narrowly short of reaching the semi-finals. Shahidi leaves the leadership role only a few months after Richard Pybus was appointed head coach of Afghanistan, succeeding Jonathan Trott. The duo is credited with leading the nation to earn global recognition.
Hashmatullah Shahidi Resigns From Afghanistan ODI captaincy
The Afghanistan batter, who remains the Test captain, made his ODI debut in 2021 and was soon promoted to the leadership role. He announced his decision via a social media statement.
“Today I announce with full respect and consent that I am resigning as captain of my team at my personal decision. It was a great honor for me to perform this responsibility as a Captain. I am proud to have served alongside my team with honesty, unity, and commitment,” Shahidi said.
“I thank all the players of my team from the bottom of my heart who always supported me and stood shoulder to shoulder with me in every victory and every challenge. I also thank the team’s officials and administration, who believed in me and always supported me,” he added.
Who will replace Hashmatullah Shahidi as Afghanistan’s ODI captain?
The Afghanistan national cricket team will need a new leader for the ODI format before their upcoming series against Ireland, starting on August 5. Several names have emerged as potential candidates to replace Shahidi. Ibrahim Zadran, who took over the T20I captaincy earlier this year, could now lead the side in the ODI format.
Former skipper Gulbadin Naib could also return to the position, while experienced all-rounder Rashid Khan also remains in contention. Afghanistan suffered a 3-0 whitewash to India in the last ODI series away from home. They also played one Test during the tour and lost that too.
