A day before turning 39, veteran Afghanistan pacer Shapoor Zadran passed away while receiving treatment at a hospital in New Delhi for a rare immunological condition known as Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) syndrome.
Between 2009 and 2020, Zadran, a left-arm fast bowler, represented Afghanistan in 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is. The immune system is weakened by HLH, a hyperinflammatory illness. In January, he was transported to Delhi for medical care.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced his demise on Tuesday.
“With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran,” the ACB wrote on X.
Zadran, a powerful bowler who contributed to several noteworthy victories and attracted notice for his flowing hair, was described by the ACB as “one of the foundation-laying figures of Afghanistan 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.
During his treatment, he received visits from a number of Afghanistan squad members, including Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi.
With ten wickets, Zadran was Afghanistan’s most effective bowler during the 2015 ODI World Cup. In August 2009, he made his ODI debut against the Netherlands, recording his career-best figures of 4/24. Overall, he took 43 wickets in 44 games for Afghanistan.
In 36 Twenty20 Internationals, Zadran claimed 37 wickets, including a career-high 3/40 against Bangladesh in June 2018 in Dehradun.
In addition, he took 17 wickets in 9 First-Class games, 57 wickets in 56 List A games, and 90 wickets in 83 Twenty20 matches.
“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.”
According to the ACB, Zadran served as an inspiration to many young cricketers worldwide, not only in Afghanistan.
“Throughout his career, Shapoor served Afghanistan cricket with honor, courage, and pride. His contributions and achievements will always remain an important part of the history of Afghanistan cricket, and his efforts in the service of the national team will never be forgotten,” the ACB wrote.
“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 and believe in the future of Afghanistan cricket. His loss is deeply felt, and his memory will forever remain alive in the hearts of the people of Afghanistan and the cricketing world,” it added.
The 6’2″ bowler, who famously claimed that he enjoys being angry when trying to intimidate batters, added a distinct flavor to the Afghan bowling attack with his aggressive style.
