Rahmat Shah appointed Afghanistan Test and ODI captain

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Wednesday appointed experienced middle-order batter Rahmat Shah as the new captain of the national team in both Test and One-Day International (ODI) cricket, a day after Hashmatullah Shahidi stepped down from the role.

Announcing the decision, the board highlighted Rahmat's leadership experience, having previously served as the team's vice-captain in both formats.

"Shah has served consistently as Afghanistan's vice-captain in both the Test and ODI formats so he is extensively experienced," the board said in a statement.

The 33-year-old succeeds Shahidi, who captained Afghanistan in 55 ODIs over a five-year period, leading the side to 27 victories, including three successive ODI series triumphs against Bangladesh.

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Under Shahidi's leadership, Afghanistan also produced an impressive campaign at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, registering four memorable wins.

However, his record in Test cricket was less successful. In seven matches as captain, Afghanistan managed just one victory, while suffering five defeats and recording one draw.

Rahmat's first assignment as full-time captain will be a five-match ODI series against Ireland scheduled for next month.

Afghanistan currently occupy eighth place in the ICC ODI rankings and must remain within the top 10 to earn automatic qualification for next year's ODI World Cup. (AFP)