Afghanistan have replaced Rashid Khan with Ibrahim Zadran as T20I captain for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed on Thursday (05 March).
The decision, according to the ACB, aligns with the board’s long-term strategic vision and recent changes within the team management.
“In alignment with the ACB’s long-term strategic vision and following recent changes in our team management, we have made the thoughtful decision to appoint Zadran as the new T20I skipper,” the board said in a statement.
Hashmatullah Shahidi will continue to lead Afghanistan in the ODI series that follows the T20 matches.
The series is scheduled to begin with three T20 internationals in Sharjah on 13, 15 and 17 March. The ODI matches will then be played in Dubai on 20, 22 and 25 March.
However, the ACB said it is closely monitoring the situation in the United Arab Emirates before confirming the arrangements.
“We are closely monitoring the ongoing situation in the region and a final decision will be made in a couple of days,” the statement added.
“Should circumstances necessitate a change, the ACB will consider exploring alternative options for both the host country and the event schedule.”
Afghanistan were eliminated in the first round of the ongoing T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka after defeats to South Africa and New Zealand.
Following the early exit, fast bowler Fazal Haq Farooqi, all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq have been omitted from both the T20I and ODI squads.
There has also been a change in the coaching set-up. Head coach Jonathan Trott has stepped down after completing his tenure, with fellow Englishman Richard Pybus taking over the role.
Afghanistan T20I squad
Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Noor Rahman, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Abdullah Ahmadzai
Afghanistan ODI squad
Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Bilal Sami
