Former Afghanistan pacer Shapoor Zadran dies at 38 after prolonged illness

KABUL: Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has died at the age of 38 after a prolonged illness, the Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed on Tuesday.

Zadran had been suffering from Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis, or HLH, a rare and serious immune system disorder that can cause life-threatening inflammation and damage to multiple organs. According to reports, he had been under treatment in the Delhi-NCR region for several months.

He first became unwell in October last year and, after receiving medical advice in Afghanistan, travelled to India for specialised treatment. His condition initially improved and he was discharged from hospital, but he suffered a relapse about 20 days later.

Key role in Afghanistan cricket

Zadran was considered one of the early figures in Afghanistan cricket and played an important part in the team's development on the international stage. The left-arm pacer was known for his speed, aggressive approach and ability to strike early, and became a key member of the side during Afghanistan's rise from Associate status to becoming an ICC Full Member.

Born on July 8, 1987, in Logar Province, he made his One-Day International debut against the Netherlands in 2009 and returned figures of 4/24. Over an international career of more than a decade, he played 44 ODIs and 36 T20 Internationals, taking 43 wickets in ODIs and 37 in T20Is.

He represented Afghanistan in the 2010, 2012 and 2016 ICC Men's T20 World Cups, leading the pace attack in all three tournaments. One of his notable displays came during the 2010 edition, when he removed Indian openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.

Zadran's standout achievement came at the 2015 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. He ended the tournament as Afghanistan's leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets and also struck the winning runs against Scotland, helping his country secure its first victory at a Cricket World Cup.