KABUL, Afghanistan – Veteran Afghan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, January 30, via a statement on his Facebook page.
Zadran, 37, who played a key role in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket, said he was stepping away after representing his country for 22 years. “The day has finally come to bid farewell to international cricket,” he wrote.
In his heartfelt announcement, Zadran expressed the deep emotions behind his decision. “Today is the day I never wanted to face, but it eventually comes for every player. After 22 years of service, sacrifice, and love for cricket, I officially announce my retirement from international cricket. This has been one of the toughest decisions of my life because cricket has been more than just a game to me; it has been my passion, identity, and purpose.”
He reflected on his journey, which began in the early and challenging days of Afghan cricket, enduring hardships, limited resources, and numerous obstacles. However, he credited the unwavering support of his fans, teammates, coaches, and especially his family for helping him persevere. “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.”
The left-arm pacer made his international debut in 2009 against Scotland and was among Afghanistan’s pioneering national players. Over his career, he played 80 international matches across One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), claiming 80 wickets in both formats combined.
Zadran played his last T20I for Afghanistan against Ireland in 2020 and has not featured in any international matches since.
Born in Logar Province, Afghanistan, Zadran fled to Peshawar, Pakistan, during the Afghan conflict and honed his cricketing skills at Arbab Niaz Stadium. Initially aspiring to play for Pakistan, he returned to Afghanistan when domestic cricket opportunities arose, earning recognition for his aggressive fast bowling.
Standing over six feet tall with a fiery temperament, Zadran became known for his pace and bounce, often unsettling batters. “A bowler has to be aggressive,” he once remarked. “That energy transfers to the batsman and forces mistakes.”
During his career, he played for several teams, including Afghanistan’s Under-19 squad, Badureliya Sports Club, and Mis Ainak Region. He also participated in franchise leagues such as the Bangladesh Premier League.
His most notable performance came in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s historic first-ever victory in the tournament, a one-wicket win over Scotland.
Though stepping away from international cricket, Zadran assured us his commitment to the sport would remain strong. “If Allah will, I will continue contributing through my experience to help the next generation of Afghan cricketers rise and shine. I will always pray for the success of Afghanistan cricket. If not as a player, then as a devoted supporter, I will celebrate every victory and hope for the emergence of new stars who will take Afghan cricket to greater heights.”
With Zadran’s departure, only Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib remain active from Afghanistan’s early generation of international cricketers. The rest of the pioneering players have retired.
Career Overview
- ODIs: 44 matches, 43 wickets, best figures of 4/24.
- T20Is: 36 matches, 37 wickets, best figures of 3/40.
- First-Class: 9 matches, 17 wickets, best figures of 4/28.
- List A Cricket: 56 matches, 57 wickets, best figures of 4/24.
- T20 Cricket: 83 matches, 90 wickets, best figures of 4/31.
Notable Matches
- ODI Debut: Aug. 30, 2009, vs. Netherlands in Amstelveen.
- Last ODI: March 10, 2019, vs. Ireland in Dehradun.
- T20I Debut: February 1, 2010, vs. Ireland in Colombo.
- Last T20I: March 8, 2020, vs. Ireland in Greater Noida.
Zadran leaves a legacy as one of Afghanistan’s most recognizable and impactful cricketers, contributing to the team’s rise from associate member status to a full-fledged Test-playing nation.
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