Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran died in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at age 38.
He had been battling a rare immune system disorder.
Zadran suffered from advanced stage four Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a life-threatening condition causing severe inflammation. It affected his bone marrow, liver, and spleen, according to reports.
His younger brother, Ghamai Zadran, confirmed the news.
He said Shapoor had been moved to the Delhi-NCR region for treatment in January and had been in intensive care since May.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced his passing on social media.
The board honored him as a foundational figure who played 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is between 2009 and 2020, taking 80 international wickets.
He also hit the winning runs against Scotland in the 2015 World Cup.
"With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran," the board said in a statement.
The ACB highlighted his dedication during the formative years of Afghanistan's cricket program.
"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 stated.
The board added that his legacy on the field would remain etched in the country's sports history.
"Throughout his career, Shapoor served Afghanistan cricket with honor, courage, and pride.
His contributions and achievements will always remain an important part of the history of Afghanistan cricket," the ACB said.
The ACB also noted his role as a mentor to younger players like Rashid Khan.
Chairman Mirwais Ashraf and former captain Asghar Afghan supported Zadran throughout his medical treatment.
"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," the board continued.
"His fighting spirit, determination, and love for the game gave hope to many and encouraged a generation to dream bigger."
The board extended condolences to his family, friends, former teammates, and the Afghan cricket community.
"His loss is deeply felt, and his memory will forever remain alive in the hearts of the people of Afghanistan and the cricketing world," the ACB expressed.
Zadran developed his game in Peshawar, Pakistan, before returning to debut for Afghanistan in 2009. He recorded his career-best ODI figures of 4 for 24 against the Netherlands.
In a 2012 interview with Cricinfo, Zadran recalled secretly attending tryouts in Afghanistan. "I went a little mad when I saw 500 players at a trial," he said.
He prayed to make the team and was among the top 50, then the top 25.
He called his family, who were surprised as he had not told them his real reason for going to Afghanistan.
