Shapoor Zadran Dies After Prolonged Illness
Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has died after a prolonged illness, a day before his 39th birthday. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced his death on Tuesday “with profound grief and deep sorrow.” Zadran had been suffering from a rare disease affecting his immune system and was undergoing treatment at a hospital in New Delhi since January.
Pioneer of Afghan Cricket
“Shapoor Zadran was one of the foundation-laying figures of Afghanistan cricket, whose dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment played a vital role in the rise and development of the game in our country,” the ACB said in a statement. Zadran played international cricket from 2009 to 2020, representing Afghanistan in 44 One Day Internationals and 36 Twenty20 Internationals.
Career Highlights
The 1.88-meter (6-foot-2) fast bowler took 80 wickets in ODIs and 36 in T20Is. His best performance came at the 2015 ODI World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where he was Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps. He also played in four T20 World Cups, taking nine wickets in nine matches. Zadran’s career-best ODI figures of 4-24 came on debut against the Netherlands in 2009. In T20Is, his best bowling performance was 3-40 against Bangladesh in 2018.
Tributes Pour In
“Shapoor served Afghanistan cricket with honour, courage, and pride. His efforts in the service of the national team will never be forgotten,” the ACB added. Prominent cricket commentator Alan Wilkins paid tribute, saying: “Rest in Peace Shapoor Zadran. A true warrior who fought so bravely on and off the cricket field.”
