ICC Chief Jay Shah Saddened by Passing of Afghanistan's Bismillah Jan Shinwari

The death of Afghanistan umpire Bismillah Jan Shinwari at the age of 41 has been mourned by Jay Shah, chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Jay Shah expressed his sorrow over Bismillah's passing and sent his family his condolences, saying, “Bismillah was a prominent umpire respected by players, peers, and officials alike. He was a regular on the international cricket circuit and had a long career ahead of him. 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."

Throughout his international career, Shinwari, a well-respected player in Afghanistan's cricket community, participated in 34 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 26 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). In addition, he officiated 96 domestic T20 matches, 31 First-Class, and 51 List A games, receiving praise for his honesty and commitment on the field.

ICC Chief Jay Shah Mourns Bismillah Jan Shinwari:

The passing of Bismillah Jan Shinwari (1984–2025), a renowned member of Afghanistan's elite umpiring panel, has left the leadership, staff, and AfghanAtalan family in shock and sadness. The Afghanistan Cricket Board stated, “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"

ACB's Condolence and Sympathy Message

ACB’s leadership, staff, and entire AfghanAtalan family are deeply shocked and saddened by the demise of Bismillah Jan Shinwari (1984 - 2025), a respected member of Afghanistan’s elite umpiring panel.

It is with deep sorrow that we share… pic.twitter.com/BiZrTOLe6m

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) July 7, 2025

As a member of the ICC International Panel of Umpires, Shinwari has officiated 21 Twenty20 Internationals and 25 One-Day Internationals. In December 2017, he made his debut for his country while presiding over an ODI against Afghanistan and Ireland in Sharjah. The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 in Al Amerat, Oman, in February of this year was his most recent international duty.

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