Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran, one of the pioneers of Afghan cricket, passed away in New Delhi on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.
He was 38. Zadran had been receiving treatment for stage four haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening immune disorder, and had remained in intensive care since May. He represented Afghanistan in 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is between 2009 and 2020, playing a key role in the nation’s rise on the international stage.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board paid tribute to his courage, commitment and lasting contribution to Afghan cricket, calling him an inspiration for future generations. His passing has prompted an outpouring of grief across the cricketing fraternity.