Shahidi steps down as ODI captain of Afghanistan as a batsman; however, he will still represent the national side as a batsman for the side.
The 31-year-old left-handed batsman who was appointed Afghanistan's ODI captain in early 2022 had announced his decision on social media and said it was a personal decision with respect to the team and its management.
“Today I announce with full respect and consent that I am resigning as captain of my team at my personal decision,” Shahidi wrote.
Shahidi led Afghanistan through one of the most successful times in the team’s ODI history. Under his leadership, Afghanistan won 27 of 55 ODIs and had a number of memorable performances against established cricketing nations.
His best performance came at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India where Afghanistan beat England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands.
The team’s great run put them in the position for a historic semi-final qualification. Afghanistan only narrowly missed out on the last-four stage, but the performance was widely acknowledged as a major breakthrough for the side.
Shahidi also captained Afghanistan at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
One of his best individual performances as captain was also against India at the 2023 World Cup. Shahidi scored 80 from 88 deliveries in fluent fashion as Afghanistan posted 272. But India was able to finish off the chase reasonably well with Rohit Sharma’s leadership.
Shahidi To Continue As ODI Player
Although he has relinquished the captaincy, Shahidi has confirmed that he is still available to play ODI cricket for Afghanistan.
The batter also continues to serve as Afghanistan’s Test captain.
Shahidi spoke of how he felt as ODI captain and thanked his teammates, coaches, officials and administrators for their support.
“It was a great honour to have been able to take on a role like this. I am proud to have served my team in this role with honesty, unity, and commitment,” he said.
Shahidi credits the collective efforts of the team for Afghanistan’s victories over several major cricketing nations.
It was his teammates who have supported him in victories and hard times, he said.
"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,” he said.
The left-hander also thanked officials and administrators for their support at all times during his time as captain.
Afghanistan To Name New ODI Captain
Now Afghanistan will appoint a new ODI captain in time for the five-match series with Ireland next month.
The change marks a new phase for a team that has rapidly established itself as a competitive force in international cricket.
Shahidi leaves the ODI captaincy with a record of major wins, a historic World Cup campaign and leadership of the Champions Trophy.
As a batter, he remains a key part of Afghanistan’s plans.
Shahidi has scored more than 2,600 runs in 96 ODIs, including one century.
While the Afghanistan team will soon have a new leader in the 50-over format, Shahidi’s influence on the side’s rise over the past several years is likely to remain significant.
And it could also be a move at a time when Afghanistan is building a strong cricketing identity with a solid group of players and winning against some of the world’s best teams.
