T20I World Cup: Rashid Khan appointed as Afghanistan's T20I skipper

Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan (Source: ICC)

All-rounder Rashid Khan on Tuesday was appointed as the T20I captain of Team Afghanistan.

"Meanwhile Najibullah Zadran has been appointed the national team's vice-captain for the format," stated an official Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) release.

Rashid, one of the well-known global faces of the game, was selected by senior ACB leadership led by ACB Chairman Farhan Yousefzai, for the role considering his experience, brilliant performance as well as leadership skills with the national team over the years.

All-rounder @rashidkhan_19 has been appointed the T20I captain & @iamnajibzadran as V-captain. Rashid, one of the well-known global faces of the game, was selected by senior ACB leadership led by ACB Chairman @Farhan_YusEfzai

More: https://t.co/cmIU8G4C02 pic.twitter.com/s1WsoKva6m — Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) July 6, 2021

Rashid Khan is currently the number two ranked bowler in the ICC T20I Rankings. He is 31 points behind table-topper South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi.

Afghanistan is placed in Group B for the T20 World Cup 2021 alongside England, India, and South Africa while the remaining two teams will be chosen from the Qualifiers.

The 2021 edition of the tournament is scheduled to be played this October in UAE and Oman.

Earlier this year, ACB members had approved the proposition to go ahead with split-captaincy for the national team. The board also effectively removed Asghar Afghan as skipper of the men's national team.

"As per the decision, left-hander Hashmatullah Shahidi is appointed the new ODI and Test captain of the national team while Rahmat Shah will serve as the vice-captain for both formats," the ACB had said in an official release.