Global cricket stars mourn legendary Afghan pacer Shapoor Zadran

Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has died at 38 after fighting a rare immune system disorder. He spent his final months receiving intensive medical treatment for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in the Delhi-NCR region.

This tragic loss has deeply affected players and fans worldwide. Afghanistan's rise as a cricketing force was firmly rooted in India, where early squads trained extensively, forging a strong bond with Indian audiences who celebrated Zadran's fiery spells. Mohammad Nabi shared deep sorrow on social media, remembering his close friend as a proud representative of their homeland. Nabi prayed for Zadran's family to find strength, noting that his remarkable achievements brought immense joy to their nation. Fellow Afghan player Azmatullah Omarzai also shared his grief, describing the event as an immense loss for everyone connected to the sport.

Indian cricket icons quickly joined in honoring the late pacer. Former head coach Ravi Shastri praised Zadran as a primary architect behind his national team's rapid growth on the world stage. Shastri pointed out that Zadran dedicated his entire life to the sport, building a legacy that fans will always remember. Commentator Harsha Bhogle recalled the bowler's charismatic presence, energetic run-up, and memorable bowling partnership with Hamid Hassan during their early playing days.

Several Indian Premier League franchises voiced their sympathies online. Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans released statements expressing their profound sadness and extending thoughts to his loved ones. Over his career, Zadran represented his country in 80 international matches, claiming 44 One-Day Internationals and 36 T20 Internationals appearances between 2009 and 2020. His passionate approach and fiery intent left a lasting mark on everyone who watched him bowl.