Afghanistan replaced long-serving one-day internationals captain Asghar Afghan Friday, replacing him with Gulbadin Naib less than two months before this year's 50-over World Cup in England and Wales.
Afghan, 31, took over the team's captaincy in 2015 after Mohammad Nabi had stepped down following the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
With all the respect to the Selection Committee, I strongly disagree with the decision as it is irresponsible & bias. As we have @cricketworldcup in front of us, Captain #MAsgharAfghan should remain as our team Captain. His captaincy is highly instrumental for team success .(1/2)
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) April 5, 2019
Under his leadership, the war-torn South Asian country gained full membership status from the governing body International Cricket Council and also qualified for the 2019 World Cup.
The 28-year-old Naib, who bowls seam and bats in the middle-order, has played 52 ODIs for Afghanistan since making his debut in 2011.
With just months to go for such a mega event like World Cup, changing the captain will cause uncertainty and also team morale will be affected. @ashrafghani @afgexecutive @hmohib( 2/2)
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) April 5, 2019
In wholesale changes to the leadership structure, all-rounder Rahmat Shah was appointed Test captain replacing Afghan while leg-spinner Rashid Khan was put in charge of the T20I team.
Rashid was also named the vice-captain for the 50-over format.
Afghanistan will tour Scotland and Ireland next month to prepare for the World Cup and will also play an ODI each against Pakistan and England before kicking off their campaign against Australia on June 1.
Being a senior member of the side & having seen the rise of Afghanistan cricket @ashrafghani I don’t think it’s the right time to change the captain before the WC @afgexecutive The team has gelled really well under #Asghar & personally feel he is the right man to lead us @hmohib
— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) April 5, 2019
