Former Afghanistan Fast Bowler Shapoor Zadran Dies at 38 After Battle with Rare Immune Disorder Shapoor Zadran, the former Afghanistan fast bowler, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, just one day before his 39th birthday. His death followed a prolonged struggle with a rare and severe immune system disorder, which he was reportedly undergoing treatment for at a hospital in New Delhi. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) expressing profound grief and sorrow over the loss of one of the country’s most iconic players. The ACB released a statement on X, mourning Zadran’s death and highlighting his enduring legacy in Afghan 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 board wrote. His contributions to the sport extended beyond his playing career, as he became a symbol of resilience and determination for aspiring cricketers in Afghanistan. Zadran’s cricketing journey began in 2009 when he made his one-day international (ODI) debut for Afghanistan. Over the course of his career, he represented his nation in a total of 80 international matches across formats, including 44 ODIs and 36 Twenty20 internationals. His performances on the field were marked by his left-arm pace bowling and ability to deliver under pressure, qualities that earned him a place among Afghanistan’s most respected players. One of the most memorable moments in Zadran’s career came during Afghanistan’s historic first World Cup victory in 2015. In a thrilling encounter against Scotland, he played a pivotal role in securing the win by hitting the winning boundary.#afghanistan #new_delhi #shapoor_zadran #afghanistan_cricket_board #world_cup_2015
Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan visit Shapoor Zadran in Greater Noida hospital Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan visited former Afghanistan cricketer Shapoor Zadran at a hospital in Greater Noida, where the left-arm pacer is receiving treatment for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and severe immune disorder. The meeting, described by Nabi as emotionally challenging, highlighted the players’ concern for Zadran’s health and their hopes for his recovery. Nabi shared his sentiments on social media, expressing sadness at seeing Zadran, a once-vibrant athlete, bedridden and praying for his full recovery. Rashid Khan, who has been instrumental in Zadran’s medical journey, joined Nabi in the visit, underscoring the camaraderie among Afghan cricketers. Shapoor Zadran, who played 80 international matches for Afghanistan between 2009 and 2020, including 44 One-Day Internationals and 36 T20 Internationals, began experiencing health issues in October 2023. His younger brother, Ghamai Zadran, revealed that doctors in Afghanistan recommended seeking advanced treatment in India due to the severity of his condition. The decision to relocate was facilitated by Rashid Khan and Mirwais Ashraf, the chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Rashid leveraged his connections in Indian cricket, including his association with the Gujarat Titans, while Ashraf coordinated with International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah to expedite the visa process. Zadran arrived in India on January 18, 2024, and was subsequently hospitalized. Ghamai Zadran detailed the progression of his brother’s illness, which began with a severe systemic infection affecting multiple organs, including the brain. MRI and CT scans confirmed the infection had spread to the central nervous system, complicating his treatment.#rashid_khan #greater_noida #mohammad_nabi #shapoor_zadran #afghanistan_cricket_board
Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi Meet Ailing Shapoor Zadran, Pray For His Recovery Afghanistan cricket legends Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi visited former national team fast bowler Shapoor Zadran in a Delhi-NCR hospital on Wednesday, where the 38-year-old is receiving treatment for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). The meeting occurred as Zadran continues his battle against the rare and severe immune disorder, which has kept him hospitalized for several months. Nabi shared his emotional experience on social media, describing the visit as a deeply moving moment. Zadran, a key figure in Afghanistan’s cricket history, has been diagnosed with HLH, a condition primarily affecting children but also occurring in adults. The disease causes the immune system to overreact, leading to hyperinflammation and damage to vital organs such as the bone marrow, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Despite initial progress in his treatment, Zadran experienced a relapse 20 days after being discharged from the hospital. His current admission to a Delhi-NCR facility marks an ongoing struggle against the illness. The visit by Khan and Nabi highlighted their close personal and professional bond with Zadran, who has been a prominent figure in Afghan cricket since his debut in 2009. Over his career, Zadran represented Afghanistan in 44 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 36 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). His contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, have earned him admiration from teammates and fans alike. Nabi’s social media post emphasized the emotional impact of seeing Zadran in a vulnerable state. He described the former player as a “tall, passionate, and strong-hearted” individual who had always faced challenges with courage.#rashid_khan #delhi_ncr #mohammad_nabi #shapoor_zadran #hemophagocytic_lymphohistiocytosis
