Home
+
Published : 07 Jul 2026, 03:46 PM
Former Afghanistan quick Shapoor Zadran has died at the age of 38.
He passed away in a hospital in Delhi on Tuesday, a day short of his 39th birthday, reports ESPNCricinfo.
Shapoor’s death was confirmed by his younger brother Ghamai Zadran, who had accompanied him to Delhi for treatment in January.
The left-arm pacer had spent his last months battling hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, a rare disease that causes the immune system to fail.
He played 80 internationals, 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is, for the national cricket team and was one of its most recognisable faces throughout the country’s rise in the 2000s and 2010s. He also took 80 wickets.
Shapoor was one of Afghanistan’s stars in the 2015 ODI World Cup, taking 10 wickets.
In a statement, the Afghanistan Cricket Board described his impact on the game in the country as foundational.
"With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran," the board said.
"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.”
It said, "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."
ESPNCricinfo says Shapoor was widely known among contemporaries for his generosity and kindness and was a mentoring figure to several younger players, including Rashid Khan.
Several members of the team were in contact with him during his treatment. During Afghanistan’s tour of India in June, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and others visited him in hospital.
"Throughout his career, Shapoor served Afghanistan cricket with honour, 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 Afghanistan Cricket Board said.
