The cricketing world was left in mourning after the former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapur Zadran passed away at the age of 38 after a long illness. Zadran had been battling hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare disease of the immune system, and had been receiving treatment in the Delhi-NCR region for months before his death.
One of the pioneers of Afghan cricket, Zadran played a significant role in the country’s remarkable rise on the international stage. After a heartfelt message from Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)Tributes have poured in from fans, former teammates and members of the global cricket community, with many remembering his immense contribution to Afghan cricket and the legacy he leaves behind.
Shapoor Zadran’s contribution to cricket in Afghanistan
Zadran has represented Afghanistan for over a decade, featuring in 44 One Day Internationals and 36 T20 Internationals between 2009 and 2020. The left-arm fast bowler took 80 international wickets and established himself as one of the country’s most prominent cricketers during the rapid rise of world cricket.
One of the defining moments in his career occurred during ODI World Cup 2015where he topped Afghanistan with 10 scalps. He was also victorious in Afghanistan’s historic victory over Scotlandhelping the nation register its first World Cup victory. Off the field, Zadran was admired for mentoring young players and inspiring a new generation of Afghan cricketers with his passion, determination and dedication to the game.
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As the news of his death spread on social media, fans, former cricketers and well-wishers shared heartfelt messages in memory of the former pacer. Many described him as one of the architects of Afghanistan’s cricketing success, while others recalled his memorable performances and the impact he had on the country’s cricketing development.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Afghan bowler Shapoor Zadran has sadly passed away one day before his 39th birthday after battling a serious illness 😔#ShapoorZadran #Afghanistan #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/xgJ4MpA1Sj
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 7, 2026
We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return
It is with deep sorrow and grief that the Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the death of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran.
Shapoor Zadran was one of the founding figures of Afghan cricket whose dedication,… pic.twitter.com/iPIAJ6HLkq
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) July 7, 2026
Shapura brother! May Allah shower His infinite mercy on them, grant them paradise, and give strength and patience to the family and all sympathizers to bear this great grief.
You were not only a close friend but also a true servant of your country and proud representative of Afghanistan. you… pic.twitter.com/VT7KwDOOU1
— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) July 7, 2026
It was with great sadness that I heard the news of Shapur’s death. It is a great loss to his family, friends and cricket lovers in Afghanistan. May his soul rest in peace, may Allah grant him paradise, may his family, friends and all his sympathizers be patient. We also share this great sadness… pic.twitter.com/V5gpvc9KlG
– Azmatullah Omarzay (@AzmatOmarzay) July 7, 2026
Very sad to hear about the death of Shapur Zadran. One of the main architects of Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket, his contribution to the game and the team’s journey will always be remembered. A life dedicated to sports. May his soul rest in peace. From the heart…
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) July 7, 2026
Deeply saddened by the tragic death of Afghan cricket pioneer Shapur Zadran 💔
A true warrior on the field who inspired a whole generation to dream big. His legacy will live on forever. Sincere condolences to his family and fans 🙏 pic.twitter.com/wwiEz3mupP
— Ajay Jadeja (@AjayJadeja171) July 7, 2026
A message of deepest sympathy
Shapoor Haji, the hero of the early and difficult days of Afghan cricket, has surrendered his soul to the owner of souls due to illness!!
May God grant Jannat al-Fardoon to Shapur Haji, my condolences to his friends and all the sad family.
I share this grief.
We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return pic.twitter.com/d3kwvLW5dh
— Ibrahim Zadran (@IZadran18) July 7, 2026
Shapoor Zadran, one of the icons of Afghan cricket, has died 💔
– Condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/WQ3gnGOr2w
— Jones. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 7, 2026
Afghan cricketer Shapoor Zadran has died.🥹🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/z8JMTAIjL2
— Maina Singh (@Maina_Singhx77) July 7, 2026
🕊️ Former Afghan cricketer Shapoor Zadran has died
Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has died after months of battling illness. He breathed his last in a hospital in India.
Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and… pic.twitter.com/sM9HWxpGrA
— Rana Ahmad. (@AhmadRana056) July 7, 2026
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