Former Afghanistan pacer Shapoor Zadran dies at 38 after prolonged illness

Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has died at the age of 38 after battling the rare and life-threatening immune disorder Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said on Tuesday.

A left-arm pacer, Zadran represented Afghanistan in 44 One-Day Internationals and 36 Twenty20 Internationals between 2009 and 2020. He was part of the country's rise in international cricket and featured in several landmark victories.

HLH is a hyperinflammatory syndrome that causes the immune system to become overactive and can be life-threatening if left untreated.


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Announcing his death, the ACB said, "With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran."

The board described Zadran as "one of the foundation-laying figures of Afghanistan cricket," saying his dedication and commitment played a key role in the growth of the sport in the country.

"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," the ACB said.

"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."

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Paying tribute to his contribution, the board said Zadran served Afghanistan cricket "with honor, courage, and pride" throughout his career.

"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," the ACB said.

The board also said Zadran inspired a generation of young cricketers through his resilience and commitment to the game.

"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. His loss is deeply felt, and his memory will forever remain alive in the hearts of the people of Afghanistan and the cricketing world."

Several members of the Afghanistan team, including skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rashid Khan, and Mohammad Nabi had visited him in the hospital during the course of his treatment.

Zadran was Afghanistan's most successful bowler in the 2015 ODI World Cup, taking 10 wickets.

He recorded his career-best figures of 4/24 against the Netherlands on his ODI debut in August 2009, and claimed an overall 43 wickets in 44 matches for Afghanistan.

In 36 T20Is, Zadran took 37 wickets with a career-best of 3/40 against Bangladesh in Dehradun in June 2018. He also played 9 First-Class matches taking 17 wickets, and claimed an overall 57 wickets in 56 List A matches and another 90 scalps in 83 T20s.

With an aggressive approach, the 6'2" bowler brought a different flavour to the Afghanistan bowling attack and had famously said that he likes to be an angry state of mind while bowling to intimidate batsmen.

(With inputs from agencies)