​Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has died at 38 after a battle with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare immune system disorder. He had been undergoing treatment in the Delhi-NCR region for several months. The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed his passing, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah paid tribute, highlighting Zadran’s significant contributions to Afghanistan cricket.
In a post on X, Shah expressed his condolences and lauded Zadran for helping Afghanistan establish a presence on the global cricket stage. He recalled Zadran’s memorable all-round performance against Scotland in the 2015 ODI World Cup, which secured Afghanistan’s first-ever World Cup victory, and he described Zadran as an integral figure in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket. Shah wrote: “Deeply saddened by the passing of former Afghan cricketer Shapoor Zadran at the age of 38. Shapoor played a significant role in Afghanistan’s remarkable rise in international cricket and will always be remembered for his match-winning all-round performance against Scotland in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, which secured Afghanistan’s first-ever World Cup victory. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the entire Afghanistan cricket fraternity. May his soul rest in peace.”
The Afghanistan Cricket Board lauded Zadran as one of the pioneers of the country’s cricket journey. It stated that Shapoor Zadran was among the foundation-laying figures whose dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment helped propel the game’s growth in Afghanistan. The board underscored that he was one of the proud cricketers who stood at the heart of Afghanistan’s early cricket days and helped pave the way for the national team to compete on the international stage. It added that, throughout his career, Zadran served Afghanistan with honor, courage, and pride, and that his contributions and achievements will always be an important part of Afghanistan cricket’s history and will never be forgotten.
Zadran’s international career spanned 80 matches for Afghanistan from 2009 to 2020, marking him as a fixture of the country’s cricketing ascent over more than a decade. His death marks a significant moment in Afghan sports, drawing attention to the sport’s development and the sacrifices made by those who helped Afghanistan become a recognized contender in global cricket. Zadran’s legacy includes not only his performances on the field but also his role as a trailblazer who helped inspire future generations of Afghan cricketers to pursue excellence on the world stage.