Afghanistan’s Shapoor Zadran Announces Retirement From International Cricket

January 31, 2025: Afghanistan’s left-arm speedster, Shapoor Zadran, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a career that spanned more than a decade.

The 37-year-old fast bowler, known for his aggressive style, made his debut for Afghanistan in 2009 and went on to play 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is, claiming a total of 80 wickets in both formats. Zadran’s last international appearance was on March 8, 2020, during a T20I against Ireland in Greater Noida.

In his announcement on Facebook, Zadran expressed that stepping away from the game was one of the toughest decisions of his life. “Today is the day I never wanted to face, but it eventually comes for every player,” he wrote. “After 22 years of service, sacrifice, and love for cricket, I officially announce my retirement from international cricket.”

Reflecting on his journey, Zadran shared that cricket had been more than just a game to him — it was his passion, identity, and purpose. He recounted his childhood dream of representing Afghanistan and felt proud to have played a role in raising the country’s flag on the international stage.

Zadran rose to prominence during the 2015 ICC World Cup, where he became a key figure in Afghanistan’s campaign. He gained cult hero status after taking 10 wickets in the tournament, including scalps of cricketing giants like Steven Smith, David Warner, and Kane Williamson. His most memorable performance came against Scotland, where his 4/38 helped Afghanistan secure their first-ever win in an ICC tournament.

Throughout his career, Zadran faced numerous challenges, including playing under limited resources, but he never lost faith. He thanked his family, teammates, coaches, and fans for their support, acknowledging that their unwavering backing helped him through tough times.

Despite retiring from international cricket, Zadran emphasized that his love for the game would not diminish. He promised to remain a devoted supporter of Afghan cricket and wished the best for the next generation of players. “Though I am stepping away from international cricket, my commitment to the game remains. I will always pray for the success of Afghanistan cricket,” he concluded.

Zadran’s retirement marks the end of an era for Afghanistan cricket, as he has been one of the country’s most iconic players and a symbol of its rise on the global stage.