Bismillah Jan Shinwari, a distinguished member of the ICC International Panel of Umpires, has tragically passed away at the age of 41. Shinwari, who hailed from Afghanistan, had an impressive career officiating in 34 One Day Internationals (ODIs), 26 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), 31 First-Class matches, 51 List A games, and 96 domestic T20 matches. His journey as an international cricket umpire began in December 2017 when he officiated an ODI between Afghanistan and Ireland in Sharjah, as noted by the International Cricket Council.

Shinwari’s funeral took place on Tuesday in the Achin district of Nangarhar province. He leaves behind a large family, including five sons and seven daughters, as reported by Afghanistan’s Tolo News. According to his brother, Seyda Jan, Shinwari had traveled to Peshawar for a medical procedure to remove abdominal fat. Unfortunately, after being hospitalized for several days and undergoing surgery, he passed away at 5 PM following the operation. His body was transported back to Afghanistan through Torkham and laid to rest in his ancestral cemetery in Achin.

The cricket community has expressed profound grief over Shinwari’s untimely demise. Jay Shah, the ICC chairman, expressed his condolences, highlighting Shinwari’s significant contributions to cricket and acknowledging the deep loss felt by the community. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) also paid tribute to Shinwari, extending heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. In a statement shared on its social media platform X, the ACB expressed its sorrow and prayed for peace for Shinwari’s soul.

The ACB’s leadership and staff are deeply saddened by this loss, recognizing Shinwari as a respected figure within Afghanistan’s elite umpiring panel. His legacy will continue to be cherished by those who knew him and the broader cricket fraternity.