Afghanistan mourns passing of Shapoor Zadran

Afghanistan cricket is mourning the loss of Shapoor Zadran, one of its pioneering fast bowlers, who passed away at the age of 38 following a prolonged illness.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board made the announcement of his demise on social media.

"Shapoor Zadran was one of the foundation-lying 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. He was among the proud cricketers who stood at the heart of Afghanistan's early cricket journey and helped build the path that brought Afghan cricket to the international stage," ACB wrote.

A key figure in the country's rise on the international stage, he represented Afghanistan for over a decade, claiming 43 ODI and 37 T20I wickets. 

Helping Afghanistan’s push up the World Cricket League divisions, he also played a memorable role in Afghanistan's historic first ICC Men's Cricket World Cup victory in 2015 against Scotland, and finished as the team's leading wicket-taker at that tournament with 10 wickets.

Shapoor Zadran celebrates hitting the winning runs in Afghanistan's win over Scotland during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup // Getty Images.

Shapoor was a regular for Afghanistan when they became Full Members of the ICC in 2018, and made his last appearance in national colours in 2020.

The left-arm quick retired from the game in 2025.