Shapoor Zadran is an Afghan left-handed batter and left-arm fast-medium bowler who played for the national cricket team. He announced retirement from international cricket on 31 January 2025, ending his career that lasted over a decade.
He posted on his Facebook, “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.”.
Zadran’s retirement marks the end of an era for Afghan cricket as he was one of the most notable players in the sport’s history. On that note, let’s look at his journey and achievements.
Shapoor Zadran’s Legacy: Notable Achievements
Shapoor Zadran made his international debut at the 2004 ACC Trophy and also represented Afghan in 2006 in the same. He made it to List A matches in 2007 and also in Twenty20. He was a part of the Afghan team when they won World Cricket League Division Five, Four and Three. In his International career, he was a member of Afghanistan’s ACC-winning team.
He was also a key member of the winning team of the 2010 ICC World T20 Qualifier. Zadran played in the T20 World Cup 2012 in Sri Lanka and performed really well alongside Gulbadin Naib. Their partnership set the record for the highest 9th wicket partnership in ICC World T20 history, which is still a record for Afghanistan. He is the second-highest wicket-taker for Afghanistan in both ODIs and T20s with 43 and 37 wickets respectively.
Career Stats
| Competition | ODI | T20I | FC | LA |
| Matches | 43 | 32 | 8 | 55 |
| Runs scored | 67 | 27 | 22 | 102 |
| Batting average | 6.70 | 3.85 | 2.75 | 6.00 |
| Top score | 17 | 13 | 7 | 17 |
| Balls bowled | 1,935 | 599 | 1,092 | 2,476 |
| Wickets | 43 | 31 | 16 | 57 |
