Former Afghanistan Fast Bowler Shapoor Zadran Dies At 38 After Long Battle With Rare Immune Disorder In India

Afghanistan's former fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has died, following a long illness in India of a rare disease. On the eve of his 39th birthday, he received treatment at a hospital in Greater Noida and was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and succumbed to the illness within a day, just before his birthday.

Afghanistan Cricket Pays Tribute

Former pacer's death was confirmed by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), who issued a condolence statement saying he was one of the pioneers of the Afghan cricket.

Shapoor Zadran was "a fast bowler par excellence from Afghanistan", the ACB wrote on its Twitter account, "That is why Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its profound grief and deep sorrow to his eternal memory.

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

Previous to his death, he received tributes of various forms from past teammates, officials and fans, all paying tribute to his role and contribution in the growth of Afghanistan's international cricket career.

Key Figure In Afghanistan's Cricket Journey

In her new roles, Zadran significantly contributed to the success of Afghanistan in the early years of its international presence. The left arm fast bowler played 80 inte internationals for the national team, with 44 ODI's and 36 T20 matches played in the period of 2009- 2020.

Hardly two decades ago, he had his mark on helping Afghanistan become a regular member of big ICC events from an emerging cricket nation. He played for the team making qualification to the ICC World Cup quite possible and again for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Throughout his career Zadran was worshipped amongst his peers for his wholesome and fearless style of cricket; a style that often attracted the national team to his preferences and granted him a place on the international team that early on in Afghanistan's cricket development helped shape the future of the sport.

Long Battle With Rare Disease

Zadran had been suffering from some months of HHL. He first became ill in October last year, and was referred by doctors in Afghanistan to go to India for special treatment by his younger brother Ghamai Zadran.

He was rushed to hospital at Greater Noida where his condition was monitored and medically attended.

The top Afghan bowlers Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan were among the stars who visited Zadran in May for his treatment. A photo of the hospital was later sent to Nabi of his former teammate later in the hospital, and how much he felt for his teammate seeing him in that condition.

Cricket Fraternity Remembers A Trailblazer

This has been an extremely sad occasion to lose Zadran and has received a lot of heartfelt messages from around the cricket world. Apart from his ball skill accomplishments, he is being remembered for paving the way for Afghanistan's emergence as a competitive nation in international cricket.

First-time viewers or players of the LFC or Riverside FC will likely be surprised to discover the legacy of Shapoor Zadran, who was of course notable for his scenes in films, but also because of his work as both a player and a manager. The magical era of his contribution to Afghanistan cricket is another key chapter of the country's sporting legacy, and his impact on inspiring aspiring Afghan cricketers will continue to be felt for years to come.