Resignation of Hashmatullah Shahidi (Photo: PTI)
Hashmatullah Shahidi resigns: Afghanistan’s ODI captain Hashmatullah Shahidi resigned. He left his post with immediate effect. This news is not good for the Afghanistan cricket team. Especially at a time when the team also faces the challenge of achieving direct qualification for the ODI World Cup 2027. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s resignation has come as a double trouble for the Afghanistan team. Because, it may take time for the new captain to adjust to the team after taking over the reins.
Afghanistan under the captaincy of Shahidi
Hashmatullah Shahidi has captained Afghanistan in 55 ODIs, out of which he has won 27. This also includes victories over England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Netherlands in the 2023 ODI World Cup. In the ODI World Cup 2023, under the captaincy of Shahidi, Afghanistan ended its journey by finishing sixth. During the Champions Trophy 2025, England was again defeated by Afghanistan under the captaincy of Shahidi. During the bilateral series played under Shahidi’s captaincy, Afghanistan has defeated Bangladesh 3 times, Zimbabwe 2 times, while South Africa and Ireland have defeated 1-1.
Shahidi also dominated batting as captain
Hashmatullah Shahidi has brought glory to Afghanistan not only as a captain but also as a batsman. Simply put, he did not bat as well for Afghanistan just as a player, as he batted as captain.
When he was not the captain of Afghanistan, his batting average in ODIs was 32.97, while his strike rate was 64.39. After becoming the captain, his batting average increased to 33.79, while the strike rate also increased. It became 70.77. Hashmatullah Shahidi has scored only one century in 96 ODIs played for Afghanistan. He had scored 101 runs on 131 balls in the match played in Chennai during the India-Afghanistan ODI series held in June this year.
Big challenge before Afghanistan, who will be the captain?
After Hashmatullah Shahidi stepped down from the ODI captaincy, Afghanistan now has to play the next ODI series on the Ireland tour next month. It will be decisive and interesting for Afghanistan to choose who will captain in that series of 5 ODI matches.
