Tragic Loss for Afghan Cricket: Shapoor Zadran Passes Away at 38
Former Afghan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has sadly passed away at the age of 38 after bravely battling a rare illness. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the news on social media on July 7, which prompted a wave of sorrow from fans and players around the world.
Zadran had been receiving treatment in New Delhi since January. His brother, Ghamai Zadran, and former national captain Asghar Afghan had accompanied him to India after he fell ill in October.
In an official statement, the ACB expressed deep sadness over Zadran’s passing. “Shapoor Zadran was a foundational figure in Afghan cricket, with unwavering dedication and passion that helped elevate the sport in our country,” it read. “He was a proud cricketer who played a key role in Afghanistan’s cricketing journey and contributed to its growth on the international stage.”
The talented left-arm pacer had been fighting a severe form of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a serious immune system disorder. His family revealed that his condition worsened due to a significant infection, which had a devastating impact on his immune system.
“It was a very serious infection,” his brother Ghamai shared with Cricinfo earlier this year. “His whole body was affected, including TB. It even reached his brain.”
Though Zadran initially showed signs of recovery, he had to be readmitted to the ICU due to a swift return of the infection. He sadly lost his battle just a day before his 39th birthday.
Shapoor Zadran will always be remembered as a key player in Afghanistan’s rise in cricket. Known for his imposing height, dynamic run-up, and distinctive black hair, he symbolized the passion of Afghan cricket enthusiasts.
One of his most memorable moments came during Afghanistan’s historic debut at the 2015 World Cup. In a thrilling match against Scotland, Zadran secured Afghanistan’s first-ever World Cup victory by scoring the winning runs, leading to joyous celebrations across the country.
“Throughout his career, Shapoor served Afghanistan cricket with honor, courage, and pride,” the ACB tribute continued. “He inspired countless young cricketers and brought hope to many with his determination and love for the game.”
Zadran announced his retirement from cricket in January 2025, ending a 22-year journey in the sport. He made his international debut in 2009 and played in 44 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 36 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Although his last international game was in 2020, he continued playing domestically, with his final match taking place in 2022. His legacy in Afghan sports remains unmatched.
