Hashmatullah Shahidi steps down as Afghanistan ODI captain

Hashmatullah Shahidi has resigned as Afghanistan’s ODI captain, bringing an end to a leadership tenure that spanned nearly four and a half years and included the team’s campaigns at the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The 31-year-old announced his decision through a statement on social media, describing it as a personal choice to relinquish the role. His departure comes just months after Richard Pybus took over as Afghanistan’s head coach following Jonathan Trott’s decision to step down.

Shahidi and Trott had overseen one of the most successful phases in Afghanistan’s ODI history. The highlight of their tenure came at the 2023 World Cup in India, where Afghanistan secured memorable victories over England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, narrowly missing out on a place in the semifinals.

“Today I announce with full respect and consent that I am resigning as captain of my team at my personal decision,” Shahidi said in his statement. “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.

“By the grace of Allah, with the efforts of the officials, coaches and players, we have achieved many victories, won important matches, defeated big teams and made the name of the team higher.”

Hashmatullah Shahidi was appointed captain at the start of 2022, taking over a side that had shown flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency against top-tier opposition. Under his leadership, Afghanistan developed a reputation for springing surprises on the biggest stages, with the 2023 World Cup run standing as the crowning achievement.

The 2025 Champions Trophy, held earlier this year, marked his final major assignment as captain. Afghanistan’s campaign in that tournament did not replicate the heroics of two years prior, and the subsequent change in head coach signalled a period of transition for the side.

In his statement, Shahidi paid tribute to his teammates and the team management for their support throughout his tenure.

“All these achievements are not just mine, but also the result of the teamwork, sacrifices and coordination of the entire team. 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,” he added. “I also thank the officials and the administration of the team who believed in me and always supported me. Your trust and cooperation will always be an honor for me.”

While stepping away from the captaincy, Shahidi confirmed he will continue to be available for ODI selection. Afghanistan are expected to name a new ODI captain before their five-match ODI series against Ireland, which begins on August 5.

The timing of Shahidi’s resignation leaves the Afghanistan Cricket Board with limited time to appoint a successor before a full-fledged bilateral series. The captaincy candidates are likely to include senior players within the squad, though no official announcements have been made regarding the selection process or potential nominees.

                                               

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