Mohammad Nabi steps down as Afghanistan T20I captain

The allrounder, who skippered Afghanistan in 35 T20Is between 2013 and 2022, voiced his unhappiness with selection decisions in his resignation statement

Mohammad Nabi has stepped down as Afghanistan captain.

The allrounder announced his departure from the role following his side's four-run defeat against Australia in the T20 World Cup. Afghanistan were eliminated in the Super 12s after losing all three of their playable matches.

While his decision was in part results based, Nabi voiced his frustration about team selection.

In a statement on Twitter, Nabi, who has been capped 104 times in T20Is, said: "Our T20 World Cup journey came to an end, with a result that not us nor our supporters were expecting.

^{Nabi in action during the 2022 T20 World Cup [Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images]}

"We are as frustrated as you are with the outcome of matches.

"From the last one year, our team preparation was not to a level that a captain would want it or needed for a big tournament. Moreover, in some of the last tours, the team management, selection committee and I were not on the same page which had implications on team balance.

"Therefore, with due respect, effective immediately I announce to step down as a captain and will continue to play for my country when the management and team need me.

"I thank every single one of you from the bottom of my heart who came to the grounds despite matches being affected by the rain and those who supported us worldwide. Your love truly means a lot to us. Long live Afghanistan."

Between 2013 and 2022, Nabi captained Afghanistan in 35 T20Is, winning 16 and losing 19.

During his lengthy international career, which began in 2009, the 37-year-old also led the ODI side between 2013 and 2015, winning 13 of his 28 matches in charge.

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