Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has died at the age of 38, just days before his 39th birthday. Zadran was a prominent figure in Afghanistan cricket’s emergence on the international stage during the 2000s and 2010s, contributing significantly to the team’s rise in limited-overs formats.

A left-arm pace bowler, Zadran represented Afghanistan in 44 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 36 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) throughout his career. His pace and skill helped establish Afghanistan as a competitive side in world cricket, inspiring many within the country.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) issued a statement honoring Zadran’s legacy. It described him as “one of the foundation-laying figures of Afghanistan cricket,” emphasizing his dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the sport’s growth in the country. The board credited him with playing a vital role in the development and rise of cricket in Afghanistan.

Zadran had been battling a rare immune disorder prior to his passing. Details of his illness were not extensively disclosed, but the condition had reportedly affected his health in recent times.

His death has been met with condolences from the cricket community both within Afghanistan and internationally. Many acknowledged his contributions to the sport at a time when Afghanistan was working to establish itself on the global cricket map.

Shapoor Zadran’s role in Afghanistan’s cricket history remains significant as the sport continues to gain popularity and develop in the country. His passing marks a loss for Afghan cricket, which remembers him as a pioneering player and a symbol of the team’s early success on the international stage.