Shapoor Zadran Passes Away at 38

It is a sad day for Afghan cricket. Shapoor Zadran, one of the pioneers of the game in his country, has passed away at the age of 38. He was just one day short of his 39th birthday.

The former fast bowler had been fighting a rare illness called Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) for months. He was being treated at a hospital in Delhi. His younger brother Ghamai was by his side.

إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

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,… pic.twitter.com/iPIAJ6HLkq

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) July 7, 2026

Shapoor was part of Afghanistan’s cricket journey from the early days. He stood tall — literally. At 6 feet 2 inches, with his long hair and long run-up, he was a sight to behold. He played 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is for Afghanistan between 2009 and 2020. He took 80 international wickets in total.

His best moment came at the 2015 ODI World Cup. He took 10 wickets in that tournament, making him Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker. He also played in four T20 World Cups.

Shapoor was known for his generosity and kindness. He was a mentor to young fast bowlers, including Rashid Khan. During his treatment, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and other players visited him in hospital. The team even visited him while on tour in India.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board issued a heartfelt statement, calling him a “foundation-laying figure” of Afghan cricket. “His dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment played a vital role in the rise and development of the game in our country,” the board said.

Shapoor’s own story was one of determination. Born in Logar Province, he moved to Peshawar during the war. He secretly went to Afghanistan for a trial, not even telling his family. When he saw 500 players there, he thought he had no chance. But his talent shone through. He made it to the top 25 and later made his debut.

He once told the media, “I prayed to Allah that I must play for the team.” His prayers were answered. And Afghan cricket was never the same again.

Shapoor Zadran will be remembered as a hero. His legacy will live on in the hearts of Afghan cricket fans.

                                               

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