Former Afghanistan Fast Bowler Shapoor Zadran Passes Away at 38
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has passed away at the age of 38 after a prolonged illness, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed on Tuesday.
According to reports, Zadran had been receiving medical treatment in the Delhi-NCR region of India for several months after being diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare immune system disorder. He first became ill in October last year and later traveled to India for specialized care. Although his condition briefly improved, he reportedly suffered a relapse in recent weeks.
A Pioneer of Afghanistan Cricket
Shapoor Zadran is remembered as one of the pioneering fast bowlers who played an important role in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket. Known for his left-arm pace and ability to take early wickets, he contributed significantly to the team’s development from an Associate nation to a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Born on 8 July 1987 in Logar Province, Zadran made his One-Day International (ODI) debut against the Netherlands in 2009, producing an impressive performance with four wickets.
International Career
During his international career, Zadran represented Afghanistan in:
- 44 One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
- 36 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
He claimed:
- 43 ODI wickets
- 37 T20I wickets
He also represented Afghanistan in the 2010, 2012, and 2016 ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, becoming a key member of the national pace attack.
One of his memorable performances came during the 2010 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where he dismissed experienced Indian batters Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.
Memorable World Cup Contribution
Zadran enjoyed one of the finest moments of his career during the 2015 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, where he finished as Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets. He also scored the winning runs in Afghanistan’s historic victory over Scotland, helping the team secure its first-ever win at a Cricket World Cup.
Cricket Community Pays Tribute
Shapoor Zadran’s contributions to Afghanistan cricket will be remembered for years to come. Players, officials, and fans have expressed their condolences, recognizing his role in the growth and success of Afghan cricket on the international stage.
