New Delhi: Former Afghanistan pacer Shapoor Zadran, considered a pioneer of the country’s rise in international cricket, passed away at a hospital in Delhi-NCR on Tuesday. He was 38.
The cricketer was fighting hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a serious immune system condition that can harm several organs and create dangerous inflammation.
He had been receiving treatment in India for the last few months. When Zadran first became unwell in October, 2025, Afghan medical professionals recommended that he go to India for treatment. After responding well at first and being released from the hospital, he experienced a relapse 20 days later, as reported by timesnow.in.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the news through social media and offered their condolences. They even highlighted the significance of his role in the rise of Afghanistan cricket.
“With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran,” the ACB said in an official statement.
“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.
“Throughout his career, Shapoor served Afghanistan cricket with honour, courage, and pride. 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,” the ACB statement added.
According to reports, the left-arm pacer had been battling an advanced form of HLH, a rare and potentially fatal immune regulatory condition in which the body’s own organs are attacked by hyperactive white blood cells. Zadran’s illness had been greatly exacerbated by a huge, aggressive infection that destroyed his weakened immune system, according to medical information provided by his family.
“It was a very serious infection. His whole body was full of the infection, including TB (tuberculosis). It also spread to his brain,” Ghamai Zadran had told Cricinfo earlier this year.
Zadran was discharged to a nearby hotel for three weeks after he momentarily showed indications of recovery, but this respite was short-lived. He was readmitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to an aggressive recurrence of the infection, and he passed away a day before his 39th birthday.
He embodied the raw, unbridled passion of Afghan cricket with his towering frame and bouncing run-up.
He officially announced his retirement from cricket in January, 2025, ending a 22-year career devoted to the game. He represented his nation in 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is after making his debut on the international scene in 2009. He continued to serve the domestic circuit, playing his final competitive match in 2022, despite his final international match taking place in 2020. He leaves a legacy that will never fade, as a tall leader of Afghan sports.
