NEW DELHI: Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran passed away in India on Tuesday, a day before his 39th birthday, following a prolonged illness. He had been receiving treatment at a hospital in Greater Noida after being diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening disorder in which the immune system becomes severely overactive.The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the news and paid tribute to one of the pioneers 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 posted on social media.
Pioneer of Afghanistan’s rise
Zadran was among the first generation of Afghan cricketers who helped transform the country’s fortunes on the international stage. Renowned for his left-arm pace and aggressive bowling, he represented Afghanistan in 80 international matches between 2009 and 2020, featuring in 44 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 36 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).He played a vital role in Afghanistan’s remarkable rise from an emerging cricket nation to a regular participant in global events, helping the team qualify for and compete in the ICC Cricket World Cup and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.His contributions during the formative years of Afghanistan cricket earned him widespread respect among teammates and fans, with many crediting him as one of the architects of the national team’s success.
Battle with illness
Zadran had been battling HLH for several months. According to his younger brother, Ghamai Zadran, the former pacer first fell ill in October last year before doctors in Afghanistan advised him to travel to India for specialized treatment, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.In May, Afghanistan stars Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan visited Zadran at the Greater Noida hospital, where he was undergoing treatment.Sharing a photograph from the visit, Nabi described the emotional moment of seeing his former teammate confined to a hospital bed.News of Zadran’s death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from the cricket fraternity, with former teammates, officials and fans remembering him not only for his performances with the ball but also for his immense contribution to the growth of Afghanistan cricket during its formative years.