Rahmat Shah to Lead Afghanistan in Upcoming ODI Series Against Ireland

Rahmat Shah is set to captain Afghanistan for the first time in an ODI series against Ireland, starting August 5. The squad features returning fast bowlers and notable absences due to injury and league commitments. This series marks a significant moment for Shah, who is Afghanistan's leading ODI run-scorer. The matches will take place in Bready and Belfast, promising an exciting contest for cricket fans.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 24, 2026, 23:55 IST

Afghanistan's New ODI Captain and Squad Details

Kabul [Afghanistan], July 24: For the first time, Rahmat Shah will take the helm as captain of the Afghanistan ODI team during their five-match series against Ireland, commencing on August 5. The squad sees the return of fast bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Yamin Ahmadzai, who are expected to bolster the pace attack, as reported by a sports media outlet.

The 15-player roster notably excludes Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who is sidelined due to injury. Afghanistan has also made adjustments to the team that faced India in a three-match ODI series in June, which they lost 3-0, with Fareed Malik and Bilal Sami now in the reserves.

Mohammad Nabi, a seasoned all-rounder who participated in the India series, is also absent as he is currently playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Global Super League, which wraps up on August 2.

Yamin Ahmadzai last represented Afghanistan in ODI cricket back in November 2022, while Fazalhaq Farooqi's last appearance in the format was in February 2025. Farooqi has been active in the ongoing Lanka Premier League, where he has taken five wickets in two matches for the Dambulla Sixers, according to the same sports media outlet.

This series will also see Hashmatullah Shahidi return as a regular player after stepping down from his role as ODI captain following the series against India. Shahidi led the team in 55 ODIs starting January 2022.

Rahmat Shah, who has been Afghanistan's vice-captain in both Tests and ODIs since 2021, will lead the ODI side for the first time. The 33-year-old is Afghanistan's top ODI run-scorer, with a total of 4,121 runs at an average of 35.22.

The initial two ODIs are set to take place in Bready on August 5 and 7, followed by three matches in Belfast on August 10, 12, and 15.

Afghanistan's squad for the ODI series against Ireland includes: Rahmat Shah (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (vc, wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Nangyal Kharotai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Saleem Safi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.

Reserves: Qais Ahmad, Fareed Malik, Bilal Sami, Bashir Ahmad.