InMobi

Afghan stars criticise captaincy change

Afghanistan name three new captains, Rashid Khan labels decision to oust Asghar Afghan ‘irresponsible and biased’

Afghanistan stars Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi have slammed the decision of their own cricket board to dump Asghar Afghan as captain of the national side.

The ACB announced on Friday that Asghar had been removed as skipper in all formats, with Rahmat Shah (Test), Gulbadin Naib (ODI) and Rashid (T20I) to replace him as captain.

Rashid labelled the decision "irresponsible and bias", while Nabi added his disappointment at the timing of the move given it's less than two months out from the start of the World Cup.

In a statement, chief selector Dawalt Ahmadzai said ‘the changes are for the better future of the team’ and backed Naib to lead the side well at the World Cup.

"Asghar Afghan … achieved a lot and made the country proud, and I hope Gulbadin Naib will be able to continue his legacy at the helm of the team’s affairs,” Ahmadzai said.

"Gulbadin Naib is a senior player who has also led the Mis-e-Ainak regional team on many occasions and we hope that he will play a vital role in the team’s future success."

The ACB also announced a squad of 23 players, including Asghar, who have travelled to South Africa for a training camp ahead of the World Cup.

The playing group must be trimmed to an official squad of 15 this month before Afghanistan’s first match of the tournament, against Australia in Bristol on June 1.