Shapoor Zadran Dies at 38 After Battle With Rare Immune Disorder HLH

New Delhi, July 7: Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has passed away at the age of 38 after a prolonged battle with the rare immune disorder Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). He died on Tuesday, just a day before his 39th birthday, while undergoing treatment at a hospital in New Delhi.

Zadran, who had been brought to the Indian capital for treatment in January, represented Afghanistan in 44 One-Day Internationals and 36 T20 Internationals between 2009 and 2020. HLH is a rare hyperinflammatory syndrome that severely affects the body's immune system.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement, paying tribute to one of the pioneers of Afghanistan cricket.

"With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran," the board said. It described him as one of the foundation-laying figures of Afghanistan cricket whose dedication, passion and commitment played a vital role in the country's rise on the international stage.

Several current Afghanistan players, including captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, had visited Zadran during his treatment in hospital.

A left-arm pacer known for his aggressive approach and trademark flowing hair, Zadran was one of Afghanistan's standout performers during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, finishing as the team's leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets.

He made an immediate impact on his ODI debut against the Netherlands in August 2009, claiming career-best figures of 4/24. Over his ODI career, he picked up 43 wickets in 44 matches.

In T20 Internationals, Zadran claimed 37 wickets in 36 matches, with his best figures of 3/40 coming against Bangladesh in Dehradun in June 2018. Across domestic cricket, he also played nine first-class matches, taking 17 wickets, while collecting 57 wickets in 56 List A games and 90 wickets in 83 T20 matches.

Remembering his contribution to the game, the ACB said Zadran stood at the heart of Afghanistan's early cricket journey and helped build the pathway that took the national team onto the global stage.

The board added that his fighting spirit, determination and love for cricket inspired countless young players in Afghanistan and around the world, ensuring his legacy will continue to live on in the country's cricketing history.