The international cricketing community is mourning the loss of Bismillah Jan Shinwari, an esteemed Afghan umpire, who has passed away at the age of 41 following an illness.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the news on Tuesday, expressing deep sorrow at the passing of one of its most respected officials. Shinwari, a member of the ICC International Panel of Umpires, had a distinguished career, officiating in 25 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 21 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
He made his international umpiring debut in December 2017, overseeing an ODI between Afghanistan and Ireland in Sharjah, and quickly became a well-regarded figure within the cricketing world.
In a tribute posted on Tuesday, the ACB said: “ACB’s leadership, staff, and entire AfghanAtalan family are deeply shocked and saddened by the demise of Bismillah Jan Shinwari, a respected member of Afghanistan’s elite umpiring panel. It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of Mr Shinwari’s demise following an illness.
“Bismillah Jan was a great servant of Afghan cricket.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board extends its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and the entire Afghan cricket fraternity.”
Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), also paid tribute, saying: “His contributions to the game were huge, and he will be deeply missed by the cricket community. We are profoundly saddened by this loss and extend our condolences to his family and loved ones.”