Afghanistan’s veteran fast bowler Shapoor Zadran announced his retirement from International Cricket on Thursday, 30 January 2025, via a statement on his Facebook page.
Making his debut in 2009, and playing 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is since then, claiming 43 ODI wickets and 37 T20I wickets, Afghanistan’s legendary pacer, Shapoor Zadran hung his boot yesterday. Having taken 80 wickets across all the formats for Afghanistan, his last International appearance came in 2020 before calling time on his career on Thursday at the age of 37.
Shapoor Zadran Calls Time on his International Career 🚨
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) January 30, 2025
Afghanistan’s big tall left-arm fast bowler Shapoor Zadran, a key figure in the rise of cricket in Afghanistan, announced his retirement from International cricket. He represented Afghanistan in 80 international matches… pic.twitter.com/46W3B4msHH
He has been a mainstay in Afghanistan’s cricketing journey since the very early stages. Zadran was a part of Afghanistan’s three ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaigns and became the hero of the side when it secured its first-ever victory at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2015 when he scored the winning runs against Scotland in Dunedin.
Moreover, he earned wider cult hero status during the 2015 ODI World Cup with his ten dismissals, including Steven Smith, David Warner, Kane Williamson, Tillakaratne Dilshan, and Mahmudullah, followed by exuberant celebrations. Further, during his career, he played for Afghanistan’s Under-19 team, as well as Badureliya Sports Club and Mis Ainak Region. He further participated in the Bangladesh Premier League as a franchise player as well.
Shapoor Zadran Statement
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Shapoor said that retiring was “one of the toughest decisions he has ever made in his life”.
“My journey started at the toughest time for Afghan cricket, he said. “I faced hardships, played with minimal resources, and crossed many hurdles, but never lost hope. Cricket fans, my fellow teammates, coaches, and above all, my family stood by me in every struggle. I truly thank every person who supported me through this long journey”.
“Love, prayers, and relentless support by my family, friends, fans, and people of Afghanistan, which has always been my source of strength and for which I will always be thankful.”
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