Afghanistan pacer Shapoor Zadran retires from international cricket

Afghanistan's veteran fast bowler, Shapoor Zadran, has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 37-year-old left-arm pacer played a crucial role during Afghanistan’s early years as an international cricket team. Having last played an international match in 2020, Zadran decided to call time on his illustrious career.

Since making his debut in 2009, he featured in 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is, picking a total of 80 wickets across both the formats. The left-arm pacer played in three ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaigns and was a key player in Afghanistan’s historic maiden victory at the 2015 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. 

In that game, he had finished with a spell of 4 for 38 before helping Afghanistan script history with an unlikely and invaluable contribution with the bat as he was part of an unbeaten 19-run last-wicket partnership, and hit the winning boundary to secure his nation's first-ever World Cup victory. His memorable winning runs against Scotland in Dunedin became an iconic moment in the nation's cricketing history.

As a bowler, Zadran often provided the team with crucial breakthroughs whenever needed. With 43 wickets in ODIs and 37 in T20Is, he consistently delivered brilliant spells. Idolising Pakistani legend Shoaib Akhtar, Zadran displayed the same attacking mindset in his bowling.

I am proud to have played a part in raising our nation’s flag: Shapoor Zadran

“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," Zadran wrote in a Facebook post.

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"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,” he added.