By: Wahidullah Mohammadi
Maidan Wardak, Afghanistan – The Maidan Wardak Cricket Board held a Fatiha (condolence gathering) in memory of the late Bismillah Jan Shinwari, a renowned Afghan national and international cricket umpire, whose recent passing has deeply saddened the country’s sports community.
The memorial ceremony was attended by the head of the Maidan Wardak Cricket Board, provincial representative of the Afghanistan Sports Journalists Federation, and a large number of players and local cricket enthusiasts.
The gathering began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by heartfelt prayers for the soul of the late Shinwari. Attendees raised their hands in unity to pray for eternal peace for the deceased.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mohammad Naser Amarkhail, the provincial head of the Cricket Board, thanked all participants for their presence and support. He spoke in detail about Bismillah Jan Shinwari’s character, describing him as a talented, dignified, and deeply respected figure who made tireless efforts for the development of cricket in Afghanistan. Amarkhail emphasized Shinwari’s significant contributions to elevating Afghanistan’s name on the international cricket umpiring stage, and said, “His absence is an irreplaceable loss.”
Meanwhile, Wahidullah Mohammadi, provincial representative of the Sports Journalists Federation expressed profound sorrow over Shinwari’s passing, calling it a major loss for Afghan cricket. He urged players and umpires to continue their efforts with dedication and perseverance, drawing inspiration from Shinwari’s legacy to become stars in their own right and uphold Afghanistan’s name globally.
The ceremony concluded with a final collective prayer in memory of the departed.
