Rahmat Shah is set to captain Afghanistan for the first time in an ODI series after being named leader of a 15-member squad for their upcoming five-match tour of Ireland beginning August 5. The appointment marks the official start of a new leadership era for Afghan white-ball cricket following Hashmatullah Shahidi’s decision to step down as captain after leading the side in 55 ODIs, though Shahidi remains in the squad as a key middle-order batter. Wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz will serve as vice-captain, while fast-bowling duo Fazalhaq Farooqi and Yamin Ahmadzai return to bolster the pace attack. Notable exclusions include spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who remains sidelined with an injury, and veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, who is unavailable due to his franchise commitments in the Global Super League in Guyana. The five-match international fixture gets underway at Bready Cricket Ground with two opening matches before shifting to Belfast for the final three encounters, giving Afghanistan an immediate opportunity to build momentum under Shah’s command.
