Former Afghanistan Cricketer Shapoor Zadran Dies at 38 After Battling Rare Illness

Xtratime Web Desk

Former Afghanistan cricketer Shapoor Zadran has passed away at the age of 38 after battling a rare and life-threatening illness. He had been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Delhi since January, where he breathed his last.

According to reports, the rare disease had led to a severe infection that spread throughout his body. He was shifted to Delhi for advanced medical care. Although his condition had initially improved and he was discharged from the hospital, the infection returned and worsened, forcing doctors to admit him once again. He eventually succumbed to the illness.

Zadran was one of the pioneering stars of Afghanistan cricket and played a key role in the country's rise on the international stage. He was instrumental in Afghanistan's historic first-ever victory at the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, a landmark moment in the nation's cricketing history.

The left-arm fast bowler made his international debut in 2009 and played his final international match in 2020. During his career, he represented Afghanistan in 44 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 36 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

Following his passing, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) expressed deep sorrow, describing Zadran as a legendary pioneer of Afghan cricket. The board said his contributions to the game, fighting spirit, and dedication would continue to inspire generations of Afghan cricketers.