Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has died aged 38 after battling the rare immune disorder Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said on Tuesday.
Zadran, who was due to turn 39 on Wednesday, had been undergoing treatment at a hospital in New Delhi since January.
A left-arm fast bowler, Zadran represented Afghanistan in 44 one-day internationals and 36 Twenty20 internationals between 2009 and 2020 and was regarded as one of the pioneers of the country’s rise in international cricket.
“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 in a statement.
Several Afghanistan players, including captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, visited Zadran during his treatment in New Delhi.
Zadran enjoyed his most successful World Cup in 2015, finishing as Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets.
He made his ODI debut against the Netherlands in August 2009, taking career-best figures of 4-24, and finished with 43 wickets in 44 matches.
In T20 internationals, he claimed 37 wickets in 36 matches, with best figures of 3-40 against Bangladesh in Dehradun in 2018.
The 6-foot-2 pacer also played nine first-class matches, taking 17 wickets, and finished his domestic career with 57 wickets in 56 List A games and 90 wickets in 83 T20 matches.
“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,” the ACB said.
“Beyond his achievements on the field, Shapoor Zadran was a true source of inspiration for many young Afghan cricketers and cricket followers across the world.”
