Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran passed away just one day before his 39th birthday after a prolonged battle with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening immune disorder. He had been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Delhi since January.
The news was confirmed by his younger brother, Ghamai Zadran, who remained by his side throughout his treatment. Shapoor was suffering from an advanced stage of HLH, a condition in which the body’s immune system becomes severely dysfunctional.
Standing 6ft 2in tall with his trademark flowing hair and long run-up, Shapoor became one of the defining faces of Afghanistan cricket during its remarkable rise on the international stage. Between 2009 and 2020, he represented Afghanistan in 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is, claiming 80 international wickets and playing a key role in establishing the team among the world’s leading cricketing nations.
His finest moment came during the 2015 ODI World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where he finished as Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps. He also featured in four ICC Men’s T20 World Cups between 2010 and 2016, taking nine wickets in nine matches.
Off the field, Shapoor was admired for his generosity and willingness to guide younger cricketers.
He played an important mentoring role for several Afghanistan players, including Rashid Khan.
During his treatment in Delhi, Rashid, former captain Asghar Afghan and several current and former teammates remained in touch with him. When Afghanistan toured India in June, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, head coach Richard Pybus, and players Qais Ahmad and Zia Sharifi visited him in hospital.
Paying tribute, the Afghanistan Cricket Board said: “With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran.
“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. He was among the proud cricketers who stood at the heart of Afghanistan’s early cricket journey and helped build the path that brought Afghan cricket to the international stage.
“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, and his efforts in the service of the national team will never be forgotten.
“Beyond his achievements on the field, Shapoor Zadran was a true source of inspiration for many young Afghan cricketers and for cricket followers across the world. His fighting spirit, determination, and love for the game gave hope to many and encouraged a generation to dream bigger and believe in the future of Afghanistan cricket.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board extends its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to his family, friends, loved ones, former teammates, and the entire Afghan cricket community. His loss is deeply felt, and his memory will forever remain alive in the hearts of the people of Afghanistan and the cricketing world,” the ACB statement added.
Born in Afghanistan’s Logar Province, Shapoor moved with his family to Peshawar, Pakistan, during the conflict in his homeland. He learned the game at the Arbab Niaz Stadium and Gymkhana, where he began playing hard-ball cricket in 2001. Initially, he hoped to represent Pakistan and looked up to former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar. However, when former Pakistan ODI cricketer Iqbal Sikander began coaching in Afghanistan, Shapoor returned home and committed himself to Afghan cricket.
He made an immediate impact on his ODI debut against the Netherlands in August 2009, picking up 4 for 24, which remained the best figures of his international career. His T20I debut followed in February 2010 against Ireland, while his best T20I performance came in 2018 when he claimed 3 for 40 against Bangladesh in Dehradun.
