Afghanistan’s left-arm fast bowler, Shapoor Zadran, has announced his retirement from international cricket ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Zadran, 37, shared his decision via a statement on his Facebook page, expressing that this was “one of the toughest decisions” of his life.
Key Details
- International Career: Zadran represented Afghanistan in 80 international matches, taking 43 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 37 wickets in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
- World Cup Milestone: He played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s first-ever ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup victory in 2015, scoring the winning runs against Scotland in a memorable match in Dunedin.
- Last Appearance: Zadran’s last international match was against Ireland in 2020.
In his retirement announcement, Zadran reflected on his 22-year journey in cricket, stating, “Since childhood, I dreamt of representing Afghanistan, and looking back now, I am proud to have played a part in raising our nation’s flag on the international stage.”
His departure marks the end of an era for Afghan cricket, as he was among the pioneering players who helped establish Afghanistan as a competitive force in world cricket.
Shapoor Zadran, born on July 8, 1987, in Logar Province, Afghanistan, is a left-arm fast-medium bowler who has been a significant figure in Afghan cricket. Standing at 6 feet 2.5 inches, he has been known for his distinctive long hair and headband, making him a recognizable presence on the field.
International Career
- ODI Debut: April 19, 2009, against Scotland.
- T20I Debut: February 1, 2010, against Ireland.
Career Statistics:
- One Day Internationals (ODIs):
- Matches: 43
- Wickets: 43
- Bowling Average: 35.88
- Best Bowling Figures: 4/24
- Runs Scored: 67
- Batting Average: 6.70
- Top Score: 17
- Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is):
- Matches: 32
- Wickets: 31
- Bowling Average: 24.54
- Best Bowling Figures: 2/9
- Runs Scored: 27
- Batting Average: 3.85
- Top Score: 13
Notable Achievements
- 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup: Played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s maiden World Cup victory against Scotland, scoring the winning runs in a thrilling finish.
- 2010 ICC World Twenty20: Was part of Afghanistan’s squad in their first major ICC tournament, marking their rapid rise in international cricket.
Domestic Career:
- Represented Badureliya Cricket Club in Sri Lanka during the 2007/08 Premier Limited Overs Tournament.
- Played for Khulna Royal Bengals in the Bangladesh Premier League in 2013.
Retirement
In January 2025, ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, Shapoor Zadran announced his retirement from international cricket, concluding a career that spanned over a decade and significantly contributed to Afghanistan’s emergence on the global cricket stage.
Shapoor’s journey from a refugee in Peshawar, Pakistan, to becoming a celebrated international cricketer is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. His contributions have left an indelible mark on Afghan cricket history.