SRINAGAR: Shapoor Zadran, a former fast bowler for the Afghanistan national cricket team, has passed away in India at the age of 38 following a lengthy illness. His death occurred just a day before his 39th birthday.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Zadran had been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, after being diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and severe immune disorder. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed his demise and paid tribute to him as a foundational figure in the development of Afghan cricket.
The ACB announced the news with profound grief and deep sorrow, acknowledging Zadran’s significant contributions. He was part of the pioneering generation of cricketers who were instrumental in establishing Afghanistan’s presence on the international cricketing map. As a left-arm fast bowler, Zadran represented Afghanistan in 80 international matches between 2009 and 2020, participating in 44 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 36 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Zadran played a crucial role in the national team’s ascent in global cricket. His efforts contributed to Afghanistan’s qualification for and participation in major tournaments such as the ICC Cricket World Cup and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. His performances during the nascent stages of Afghanistan’s international cricket journey garnered him substantial recognition from teammates, officials, and fans alike.
According to reports from ESPNricinfo, Zadran had been battling HLH for several months. His younger brother, Ghamai Zadran, indicated that the former cricketer first fell ill in October of the previous year. Following medical advice in Afghanistan, he was directed to travel to India for specialized treatment.
In May, prominent Afghanistan cricketers Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan visited Zadran at the Greater Noida hospital where he was undergoing treatment. Mohammad Nabi shared a photograph from the visit, describing the emotional impact of seeing his former teammate in the hospital.
News of Shapoor Zadran’s passing has elicited numerous tributes from across the global cricketing community. Former teammates, cricket officials, and fans have come forward to remember his on-field achievements and his dedicated service to the advancement of cricket in Afghanistan.
The Chenab Times News Desk