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Former Afghan pacer Shapoor Zadran passes away at 38

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Shapoor Zadran

Shapoor Zadran (Source: Getty Images)

Mr Cricket UAE Staff

Mr Cricket UAE Staff

Published - 07 Jul 2026, 12:57 PM Read time - 3 mins

Former Afghanistan seamer Shapoor Zadran has passed away at the age of 38 after waging a hard-fought battle against a life-threatening disease named Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in a hospital in Delhi. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the distressing news of his passing on social media on Tuesday, July 7.

Shapoor Zadran’s battle with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis, a rare disease that causes multi-organ damage, came to a heartbreaking end just a day short of his 39th birthday. His younger brother, Ghamai Zadran, stood by his side through months of treatment.

Standing tall at 6’2”, Shapoor made his ODI debut against the Netherlands in Amstelveen on August 30, 2009. Over the course of 44 ODIs, he claimed 43 wickets at an average of 36.95 and an economy rate of 4.80, including two four-wicket hauls.

His finest hour came at the 2015 ODI World Cup, where he was Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets in six games. His best figures in the tournament, 4/38, came against Scotland in Dunedin on February 26. His last ODI appearance was against Ireland in Dehradun on March 10, 2019.

Shapoor also left his mark in the shortest format. He debuted in T20Is against Ireland at the P Sara Oval in Colombo on February 1, 2010, and went on to take 37 wickets in 36 matches at an average of 24.51 and an economy of 7.83. Representing Afghanistan in four T20 World Cups (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016), he picked up nine wickets at an average of 23 and an economy of 7.39. His final T20I came against Ireland in Greater Noida on March 8, 2020.

"With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran," the ACB said in its statement.

"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. May his soul rest in eternal peace."