Ex-Afghanistan speedster Shapoor Zadran passes away after battling rare illness

Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has passed away at the age of 38 after a prolonged illness, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed on Tuesday.

Zadran had been undergoing treatment in the Delhi-NCR region for the past several months after being diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare disorder that affects the body's immune system.

Paying tribute to the former left-arm pacer, the ACB described him as one of the key figures in Afghanistan's cricket journey.

The board said Zadran's passion, commitment and determination played a significant role in laying the foundation for the national team's remarkable rise on the global stage.

The board remembered him as a cricketer who represented Afghanistan with pride and courage, adding that his contributions would remain an important chapter in the country's cricketing history.

Zadran featured in 80 international matches for Afghanistan between 2009 and 2020.

During his career, he played 44 One Day Internationals and 36 T20 Internationals, becoming a familiar face in the team's early years on the international circuit.

Beyond his achievements with the ball, the ACB said Zadran inspired countless young cricketers through his fighting spirit and dedication to the game.

His journey gave hope to aspiring players and encouraged a new generation to dream of representing Afghanistan at the highest level.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board also extended its condolences to Zadran's family, friends, former teammates and the wider cricket community, saying his legacy would continue to inspire future generations and that he would always be remembered for his service to Afghan cricket.