Cricket

Afghanistan sack Rashid Khan after World Cup exit

Mar 6, 2026

Afghanistan cricketing great Rashid Khan has been sacked as their Twenty20 captain ‌following the team's group-stage exit from the T20 ‌World Cup.

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Under Rashid, Afghanistan reached the semi-finals of the 2024 ‌edition of the global showpiece but they could not make the super eights stage.

Opener Ibrahim Zadran will now lead Afghanistan in their three-match T20 series against ‌Sri Lanka ‌beginning in ⁠Sharjah on March 13, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said in a statement on Thursday.

"Rashid Khan's tenure as the T20I captain brought immense success to the team," chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil said.

"In alignment with the ACB's ⁠long-term strategic vision and ‌following recent changes in our team management, including the appointment of a new ‌head coach, we have made the thoughtful decision to transition the leadership within the T20I setup."

The board also noted concerns regarding the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka later this month in Dubai following ‌Iranian missile strikes in the UAE.

"ACB is closely monitoring the ongoing situation in the region and is engaging in discussions with all stakeholders about whether the series can proceed ... as originally planned, both in terms of dates and venue," the ⁠ACB said.