Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has passed away at the age of 38 while undergoing treatment in New Delhi, the Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed. He had been battling Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening disease affecting the immune system.
Zadran had travelled to India for medical treatment after falling ill late last year. Although he was briefly discharged following signs of improvement, his condition worsened. He later developed a high fever, tested positive for dengue, and further medical examinations confirmed Stage 4 HLH.
His younger brother, Ghamai Zadran, confirmed his death.
Paying tribute, the Afghanistan Cricket Board said, “With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran.”
The Board described him as one of the pioneers of Afghanistan cricket, saying his dedication and commitment played a key role in the country’s rise in international cricket. Shapoor Zadran was widely recognised as one of the players who helped lay the foundation of Afghanistan’s cricket journey.
