Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has died at the age of 38 after battling the rare immune disorder Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed on Tuesday.
Zadran passed away a day before his 39th birthday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in New Delhi. He had been brought to India in January after being diagnosed with HLH, a hyperinflammatory syndrome that severely affects the body’s immune system.
ACB pays tribute to Afghanistan pioneer
Announcing his death, the Afghanistan Cricket Board described Zadran as one of the pioneers who helped lay the foundations of Afghanistan cricket.
“With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran,” the board posted on X.
The ACB added that Zadran’s dedication and commitment played a vital role in Afghanistan’s rise on the international stage.
“Shapoor Zadran was one of the foundation-laying figures of Afghanistan cricket, whose dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment played a vital role in the rise and development of the game in our country,” the statement read.
Several current Afghanistan players, including captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, visited Zadran during his treatment in New Delhi.
Memorable international career
The left-arm pacer represented Afghanistan in 44 One-Day Internationals and 36 Twenty20 Internationals between 2009 and 2020.
He enjoyed a dream ODI debut against the Netherlands in August 2009, returning figures of 4/24, and finished his ODI career with 43 wickets.
Zadran was Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker at the 2015 ODI World Cup, claiming 10 wickets during the tournament.
In T20 Internationals, he picked up 37 wickets, with career-best figures of 3/40 against Bangladesh in Dehradun in 2018.
He also featured in nine First-Class matches, taking 17 wickets, while collecting 57 wickets in 56 List A games and 90 wickets in 83 domestic T20 matches.
An enduring legacy
Standing 6ft 2in tall, Zadran was known for his aggressive style of fast bowling and fiery on-field personality, once saying he liked to bowl in an angry frame of mind to intimidate batters.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board said his influence extended far beyond his achievements on the field.
“Throughout his career, Shapoor served Afghanistan cricket with honor, courage, and pride. His contributions and achievements will always remain an important part of the history of Afghanistan cricket,” the board said.
It added that his fighting spirit and passion for the game inspired a generation of young Afghan cricketers and helped shape the country’s remarkable journey in international cricket.
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