For the unversed, Shapoor Zadran was Afghanistan's leading wicket-taker and had reportedly played four T20 World Cups from 2010 to 2016. He had taken nine wickets in nine matches.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleShapoor Zadran was a former Afghanistan bowler who died a day before his 39th birthday. For months, he was suffering from Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis at a hospital in Delhi. Shapoor's death was confirmed by his younger brother, Ghamai Zadran. He had been with the cricketer ever since he moved to Delhi for treatment in January 2026.
The former tall and long-haired pacer, Shapoor Zadran, was suffering from Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) for months. For the unversed, he was suffering from an advanced stage of HLH, which is a rare disease where the immune system starts failing all of a sudden.
Shapoor Zadran was one of the most famous faces of Afghanistan's cricket team back in the 2000s and 2010s. The 6'2 tall cricketer was known for his long sprints and flowing hair. The Afghanistan Cricket Board mourned the loss of Shapoor and, in a statement, described him as one of the foundation-laying figures of Afghanistan cricket. A part of the statement also read:
"With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran; 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."
The statement also spoke about how Shapoor, throughout his career, had served Afghanistan cricket with honour, 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. Remembering Shapoor, the statement also mentioned:
"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."
Shapoor Zadran's younger brother had been sharing updates related to his health. In one of his latest posts, he had requested his followers to pray for him and had written, "The condition of Shapoor Zadran is being critical, and he needs everyone’s prayers during this difficult time. He had written, "Please remember him in your prayers today. May Allah grant him strength, healing, and a complete recovery."
Well, in the middle apparently Shapoor's condition had improved, and his brother was hopeful of him having a full recovery from his disease. Shapoor had played 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is back between 2009 and 2020. He had reportedly taken 80 international wickets and had won the 2015 ODI World Cup. Shapoor Zadran's younger brother was earlier hopeful that the cricketer would battle his health issue. Ghamai had first revealed to the world reportedly in January 2026 that Shapoor was in the ICU. Sharing pics of the cricketer from the hospital he had shared:
"Dear fellow countrymen, prayer can change destiny. My brother and your hero, Shapoor Zadran, has once again fallen seriously ill and is admitted to the ICU. I kindly request all of you to please remember him in your prayers. May Almighty Allah grant him a swift and complete recovery and give us patience."
For the unversed, Shapoor was Afghanistan's leading wicket-taker and had reportedly played four T20 World Cups back from 2010 to 2016. He had taken nine wickets in nine matches. He was also known to be genenrous, kind and was also a mentor to players like Rashid Khan.
Rest in peace, Shapoor Zadran.
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