Afghanistan World Cup hero retires from international cricket

Zadran retires following a distinguished career that spanned for more than 10 years, with the veteran left-armer playing a major role in the rise of Afghanistan cricket.

A mainstay in the initial stages of Afghanistan's cricketing journey, Zadran featured in three ICC Men's T20 World Cup campaigns and was the hero of the side's first-ever victory at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2015 when he hit the winning runs against Scotland in Dunedin.

But having not played an international match since he featured against Ireland at Greater Noida in 2020, Zadran has decided the time is right to retire as the 37-year-old revealed the news via his Facebook page.

“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 wrote.

“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.”

Zadran played 80 international matches for Afghanistan, claiming 43 wickets in the ODI arena and a further 37 scalps in T20I contests.