Former Afghanistan pacer Shapoor Zadran has died at the age of 38. He passed away one day before his 39th birthday after a long illness.
Zadran had been battling Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis, known as HLH. This rare disorder causes the immune system to attack the body itself. It leads to dangerous inflammation and can damage multiple organs.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed his death on Tuesday. Zadran’s brother had stayed with him in Delhi throughout his treatment.
Reports say Zadran first fell ill back in October last year. He initially sought medical advice within Afghanistan before his condition worsened. He later traveled to India for specialized treatment in the Delhi-NCR region.
His health showed early signs of improvement after hospital treatment began. Doctors discharged him, but he suffered a relapse about twenty days later. His condition then declined further until his death this week.
Zadran built his cricket career between 2009 and 2020 for Afghanistan. He played 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is during his international career. The left-arm pacer stood out for his height, pace, and aggressive style.
His raw speed and long hair made him a recognizable figure in world cricket. Fans across the subcontinent closely followed his performances during that era.
Zadran played a key role during Afghanistan’s rise on the global stage. He featured prominently in the team’s memorable 2015 World Cup win over Scotland. That victory marked a significant milestone in Afghanistan’s cricketing history.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board issued a heartfelt tribute after his passing. Officials called him one of the foundation-laying figures of Afghan cricket. The board praised his dedication, courage, and lasting impact on the sport.
The ACB also highlighted his influence on younger Afghan cricketers. Officials said his fighting spirit inspired a generation to dream bigger. His legacy remains tied to Afghanistan’s early journey in international cricket.