Web Desk: Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has died at the age of 38 after a prolonged illness, the Afghanistan cricket community mourned on Tuesday.
Zadran, who had been suffering from cancer and other health complications, died in New Delhi, India, on July 7, a day before his 39th birthday, where he was receiving medical treatment.
Standing more than six feet tall, Zadran became one of Afghanistan’s most recognisable cricketers because of his aggressive bowling style, long flowing hair and energetic presence on the field.
The left-arm fast bowler represented Afghanistan in 44 one-day internationals and 36 Twenty20 internationals, playing a key role during the country’s rise on the international cricket stage.
Zadran was known for his pace, passion and ability to deliver important breakthroughs during Afghanistan’s early years as a competitive international side.
Before representing Afghanistan, Zadran spent part of his early life as a refugee in Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar, where he began his cricket career.
During his early playing days in Peshawar, he shared the field with several cricketers who later became prominent names in Afghanistan cricket, including Mohammad Nabi, Asghar Afghan and Dawlat Zadran.
His performances helped inspire a generation of Afghan players as the national team progressed from a developing side to an established force in international cricket.
News of Zadran’s death prompted tributes from cricket fans and former teammates, who remembered him as a passionate player who contributed to Afghanistan’s cricketing journey.
His career coincided with a historic period for Afghanistan cricket, as the team achieved international recognition and competed against some of the world’s leading sides.
Zadran’s legacy remains tied to the early generation of Afghan cricketers who helped transform the country’s cricket ambitions into global success.
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