Afghan Fast Bowler Shapoor Zadran Dies at 38 After Illness

Former Afghan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has passed away at age 38 after battling a prolonged illness, according to the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announcement on Tuesday.

Zadran was regarded as one of the pioneers of Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket. The ACB described him as a foundation-laying figure whose dedication and commitment significantly contributed to the development of the sport in the country.

In his career spanning over a decade, Zadran took 43 wickets in One-Day Internationals and 37 in Twenty20 Internations. He played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s climb through the ICC World Cricket League divisions and was instrumental in their historic first victory at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2015, where he finished as the leading wicket-taker with 10 dismissals.

Zadran also participated in the team that earned Full Member status of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2018. His final appearance for the national team was made in 2020 before he retired from all forms of cricket in 2025.