Source ICC
KABUL / NEW DELHI — The cricketing world is in mourning following the tragic passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran, who died on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, just one day shy of his 39th birthday.
Zadran passed away at a medical facility near New Delhi, India, following a prolonged battle with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)—a rare, life-threatening hyperinflammatory disorder that severely compromises the immune system.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the devastating news in an official statement, expressing profound grief over the loss of a player they described as a pillar of the nation’s sporting history.
“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 stated. “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.”
A Trailblazer for Afghan Cricket
A towering, energetic left-arm fast bowler famous for his long hair and bounding run-up, Zadran was central to Afghanistan’s fairytale rise from lower-tier international cricket to full ICC membership.
Born on July 8, 1987, in the Logar Province, Zadran spent his early years as a refugee in Peshawar, Pakistan, where he discovered his love for the game alongside future national teammates like Mohammad Nabi and Asghar Afghan.
Between his international debut and his final appearance in national colors in 2020, Zadran became a mainstay of the golden generation of Afghan cricket.
Key Career Statistics & Highlights
Metric / EventDetails
One-Day Internationals (ODIs)44 matches, 43 wickets (Best: 4/24)
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)36 matches, 37 wickets
World Cup ImpactFeatured in four T20 World Cups (2010–2016)
The Historic 2015 MomentHit the winning runs against Scotland in Afghanistan’s first-ever ODI World Cup win
Zadran’s most iconic moment came at the 2015 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Not only did he finish the tournament as his team’s leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps, but he also etched his name into folklore by hitting the winning runs in a thrilling run-chase against Scotland—sparking unforgettable celebrations back home.
Tributes Pour In
Having officially retired from the game in 2025, Zadran’s impact extended far beyond his statistics. He served as a source of immense inspiration for a generation of youths who picked up cricket bats and balls across Afghanistan during turbulent times.
Following the announcement, tributes from teammates, fans, and international cricket boards began flooding social media, all remembering Zadran not just as a fierce competitor on the field, but as a gentle and passionate ambassador off it.
