Hashmatullah Shahidi resigns as Afghanistan ODI captain after leading team through historic era

The announcement also comes a few months after Richard Pybus was appointed as Afghanistan's head coach, following Jonathan Trott's decision to step down.

Published on: Jul 22, 2026, 19:42:46 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Hashmatullah Shahidi stepped down as Afghanistan's ODI captain, on Wednesday. The experienced batter will continue playing for the ODI side. He was named as ODI skipper in 2022 and led them at the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. He is also his country's Test captain.

Afghanistan's Hashmatullah Shahidi resigned as ODI captain. (ANI Pic Service)

Shahidi was one of the 11 players who played in Afghanistan's first-ever Test match against India in 2018. He also became the first Afghan player to ge a Test double hundred, when he slammed 200* not out against Zimbabwe on March 11, 2021.

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Taking to social media, he wrote, "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 honour 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.

"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.

"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 honour for me", he added.

The announcement also comes a few months after Richard Pybus was appointed as Afghanistan's head coach, following Jonathan Trott's decision to step down.

Shahidi and Trott formed a great partnership during one of the most successful phases in their country's ODI history, highlighted by wins against England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands at the 2023 World Cup, where they narrowly missed out on a spot in the semifinals.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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