Afghanistan Cricket Shock: Hashmatullah Shahidi Quits ODI Captaincy With Immediate Effect — ‘It Has Been a Great Honour’

Afghanistan cricket has been hit by a leadership change after Hashmatullah Shahidi announced his decision to step down as the team’s ODI captain with immediate effect.

The 31-year-old batter confirmed that he will continue to make himself available as a player, bringing an end to his stint as Afghanistan’s 50-over captain. Shahidi said the decision followed careful consideration and thanked the team’s management, coaches, players and supporters for standing by him during his tenure.

“It has been a great honour to lead this team,” Shahidi said while announcing his resignation.

The decision marks the end of an important chapter for a player who has been part of Afghanistan’s rise on the international stage. Shahidi became the seventh player to captain Afghanistan in ODI cricket and took charge of the side in 2022.

During his time as captain, Shahidi led Afghanistan in 55 ODIs, with the team winning 27 matches, losing 25 and seeing three games end without a result. His tenure included appearances at major international tournaments, including the 2023 Asia Cup, the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

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Shahidi’s final ODI series as captain ends in defeat

Shahidi’s final assignment as Afghanistan’s ODI captain came during the team’s recent three-match bilateral series against India. Afghanistan lost the series 0-3, ending Shahidi’s captaincy run on a disappointing note.

However, the tour also produced a personal milestone for the left-handed batter. During the series, Shahidi scored his maiden ODI century, registering 102 runs from 131 deliveries in Chennai.

It was a landmark moment for a player who had already featured in 95 previous ODI matches without reaching three figures.

Despite stepping down from the leadership role, Shahidi made it clear that his international career is not over.

“Although I am resigning as captain, I remain fully committed to serving the team as a player and wish the new captain and the team continued success,” he said.

The statement suggests that Afghanistan will continue to rely on Shahidi’s experience as the team prepares for its next phase.

Afghanistan now faces another leadership decision

Shahidi’s resignation leaves the Afghanistan Cricket Board with the task of selecting a new ODI captain ahead of the team’s upcoming international commitments.

Afghanistan has steadily established itself as a competitive force in limited-overs cricket, particularly in the ODI format. The team has produced strong performances against established cricketing nations in recent years, making the appointment of Shahidi’s successor an important decision.

The new captain will inherit a side that has ambitions of becoming a consistent contender in global cricket. Shahidi’s experience, meanwhile, could remain valuable in the dressing room even without the captain’s armband.

Ireland series next for Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s next ODI assignment will come against Ireland, with the two teams scheduled to play a five-match series in August.

The series will provide Afghanistan with its first opportunity to move forward under new ODI leadership. It will also be closely watched to see whether Shahidi remains part of the playing XI and what role he takes on within the squad.

For now, Shahidi leaves the captaincy with a message of gratitude rather than bitterness. His decision brings an end to his leadership era, but his commitment to Afghanistan’s cricket team remains intact.

The next captain will have big shoes to fill — and Shahidi, now free from the responsibility of leadership, could still have an important role to play as Afghanistan looks ahead.