Cricket NewsNewsAfghanistan’s 2015 World Cup Hero Shapoor Zadran Announces his Retirement from International...

Afghanistan’s 2015 World Cup Hero Shapoor Zadran Announces his Retirement from International Cricket

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.

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.”

Read More: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Why did Pakistan Cancelled Captains’ Event or Photoshoot?

Vishal Kumar
Vishal Kumar
Vishal is a passionate cricket enthusiast and experienced writer with a deep love for the game. With years of following international and domestic cricket, he brings insightful analysis, engaging match reports, and in-depth player profiles to readers. His work blends a keen understanding of the sport's technical aspects with a love for storytelling, making each piece a must-read for cricket fans.

Latest Cricket News

Latest in cricket

Continue reading

UP Warriorz Named Deepti Sharma Their Captain for the WPL 2025

Deepti Sharma has been selected as the UP Warriorz's WPL 2025 captain. Following their skipper Alyssa Healy's exclusion from the event due to a stress strain in her right foot. Deepti has been one of Warriorz's more reliable performers....

International League 2025: Dubai Capitals Wins Maiden ILT20 Title 

Dubai Capitals beat Desert Vipers in a thrilling final to win their first-ever international league T20 title. Roveman Powell and Sikandar Raza finished the game for the Capitals. The match started with the Capitals choosing to field first after...

Marcus Stoinis Announced Shocking Retirement from ODIs Despite Being Named in Champions Trophy Squad of Australia

Aussie allrounder Marcus Stoinis shocked the cricket world on Thursday morning by announcing his retirement from ODIs despite being a member of the Champions Trophy 2025 Squad of Australia.  Stoinis has been a crucial part of Australia’s recent ODI success,...

Enjoy exclusive access to all of our content

Get an online subscription and you can unlock any article you come across.