KABUL: Mohammad Nabi has stepped down as captain of the Afghanistan national cricket team after more than two years in the job, citing his own poor form and the team’s performance.

“I have served Afghanistan’s national team as captain for more than two years. I tried my best to bring victories to our team and the nation,” he wrote in his letter to the Afghanistan Cricket Board. “Given the recent performance of the team and particularly my out of form status, I would like you to accept my resignation as captain and allow me to continue to play as a team player.”

Afghanistan made their World Cup debut under Nabi’s captaincy this year, making their mark with a historic one-wicket win over Scotland.

The tournament debutants were also impressive when losing to Sri Lanka before falling apart against Australia and New Zealand.

“We performed very well in the World Cup. For the first time in the history of Afghanistan cricket we won a game,” he told a press conference on Monday. “I will continue to play with the team and advise the new captain.”

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2015

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