Kabul (SW): The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) named middle-order batsman Asghar Stanikzai as the new captain for the national squad on Thursday.
Chief Selector Daulat Ahmadzai introduced the new captain in a press conference at the ACB headquarters in Kabul. Stankizai thanked the board for entitling him with the new task.
27 years old debuted in 2009 against Scotland. He has so far scored 904 runs in 43 One Day Internationals ODIs with an average 24.43.
Following the surprise announcement by Muhammad Nabi Essakhail to step down as Captain of the national cricket team, the Cricket Board was seeking a suitable replacement.
Leading the squad for over two years, Essakhail cited the recent poor performance of the team and his lack of form as reasons behind his decision.
All-rounder Essakhail has to his credit over a thousand One Day International ODI runs and 45 wickets. He has featured in all 51 ODIs Afghanistan has played so far.
Afghanistan featured in the Cricket World Cup 2015, the first ever for this emerging team that has impressed many on the global arena. On his part, Essakhail managed to score just 90 runs in the six games Afghanistan played during the CWC 2015.
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