Bismillah Jan Shinwari, a respected member of the ICC International Panel of Umpires, passed away at the young age of 41 on Monday, July 7, 2025. He died while undergoing abdominal surgery in Peshawar, Pakistan, as confirmed by his brother Seyda Jan. His funeral was held on July 8 in the Achin district of Nangarhar province in Afghanistan, his native land.
A Journey of Dedication and Professional Excellence
Shinwari began his journey in international umpiring in 2017, officiating his first One-Day International (ODI) between Afghanistan and Ireland in Sharjah. From there, his career blossomed, and he went on to become one of Afghanistan’s most prominent cricket umpires on the global stage.
Over the years, he officiated in:
- 34 ODIs
- 26 T20 Internationals (T20Is)
- 31 First-Class matches
- 51 List A games
- 96 domestic T20 matches
His performance on the field was consistently praised for its fairness, precision, and calm demeanor, making him one of the most reliable figures in the international umpiring community.
His Final International Assignment
Shinwari’s last assignment as an international umpire came earlier this year in February 2025, when he officiated in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 matches held in Al Amerat, Oman. His presence in high-pressure games and balanced judgment won him respect from players, coaches, and fellow umpires alike.
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