Former Afghanistan bowler Shapoor Zadran dies at 38

Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran died on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the age of 38 after a prolonged battle with a serious illness. He had been receiving treatment in the Delhi National Capital Region in India.

Zadran had been fighting hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and potentially fatal immune system disorder. According to medical information provided by his family, his condition was greatly exacerbated by a severe, aggressive infection that spread throughout his body, including tuberculosis, and eventually reached his brain. After first falling ill in October 2025, Afghan medical professionals recommended he travel to India for treatment. He initially responded well and was discharged, but suffered a relapse 20 days later. Following a brief period of recovery, he was readmitted to an intensive care unit due to an aggressive recurrence of the infection. He passed away a day before his 39th birthday.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed the news in an official statement, expressing profound grief and deep sorrow. The board highlighted Zadran's foundational role in the rise of Afghan cricket, describing him as one of the proud cricketers who stood...