With deepest sorrow, Shapoor Zadran, the former Afghanistan national cricket team star and one of the most memorable figures in Afghan cricket, has passed away after months of battling illness. His death is a profound loss for Afghan sports and the cricket community.
In recent months, Shapoor Zadran had been suffering from a rare and life-threatening condition known as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a disease that severely affects the functioning of the body’s immune system. He had been facing serious health challenges since late last year and was transferred to New Delhi, India, in January to continue his treatment.
Despite extensive efforts by medical teams and several admissions to intensive care units, his condition gradually deteriorated. Severe infections, tuberculosis, and later dengue fever further complicated his treatment and recovery process.
Shapoor Zadran was born on 8 July 1987 in Logar Province, Afghanistan. He was introduced to cricket during his family’s years of migration in Peshawar, Pakistan, and went on to become one of the first stars of Afghanistan’s golden generation of cricket.
He represented the Afghanistan national cricket team for more than a decade, playing in around 80 international matches between 2009 and 2020. Known for his left-arm fast bowling, tall stature, and fighting spirit, Zadran played a significant role in Afghanistan’s historic rise to the highest level of international cricket.
Shapoor Zadran featured in three editions of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and was a member of Afghanistan’s squad at the 2015 Cricket World Cup. During that tournament, Afghanistan secured its first-ever World Cup victory against Scotland, with Zadran playing a crucial role by scoring the winning runs to complete the historic triumph.
Throughout his illness, the Afghan cricket community and several prominent figures from the sport showed their support for him. Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Asghar Afghan, and officials from the Afghanistan Cricket Board assisted with arrangements for his transfer and treatment in India, while repeatedly asking the public to pray for his recovery.
The passing of Shapoor Zadran marks the end of the life of one of the pioneers of Afghan cricket — a player who, through his dedication, determination, and achievements, played a major role in bringing international recognition to Afghanistan and leaving unforgettable memories for millions of cricket fans.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
