The cricketing world was left in mourning after former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran passed away at the age of 38 following a prolonged illness. Zadran had been battling Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare immune system disorder, and had been undergoing treatment in the Delhi-NCR region for several months before his demise.

One of the pioneers of Afghanistan cricket, Zadran played a significant role in the nation’s remarkable rise on the international stage. Following the heartbreaking announcement from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), tributes poured in from fans, former teammates and members of the global cricket community, with many remembering his immense contribution to Afghan cricket and the legacy he leaves behind.

Shapoor Zadran’s contribution to Afghanistan cricket

Zadran represented Afghanistan for more than a decade, featuring in 44 One-Day Internationals and 36 T20 Internationals between 2009 and 2020. The left-arm fast bowler claimed 80 international wickets and established himself as one of the country’s most recognizable cricketers during its rapid rise in world cricket.

One of the defining moments of his career came during the 2015 ODI World Cup, where he finished as Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps. He also struck the winning runs in Afghanistan’s historic victory over Scotland, helping the nation register its maiden World Cup win. Off the field, Zadran was admired for mentoring younger players and inspiring a new generation of Afghan cricketers with his passion, determination and commitment to the game.

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As news of his passing spread across social media, fans, former cricketers and well-wishers shared heartfelt messages in memory of the former pacer. Many described him as one of the architects of Afghanistan cricket’s success, while others remembered his unforgettable performances and the impact he had on the country’s cricketing journey.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Afghanistan’s pace bowler, Shapoor Zadran has sadly passed away just one day shy of his 39th birthday, after battling a serious illness 😔#ShapoorZadran #Afghanistan #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/xgJ4MpA1Sj

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 7, 2026

إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran.

Shapoor Zadran was one of the foundation-laying figures of Afghanistan cricket, whose dedication,… pic.twitter.com/iPIAJ6HLkq

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) July 7, 2026

شاپوره وروره! الله تعالی دې خپل بې‌پایانه رحمتونه درباندې وکړي، جنت الفردوس دې در په برخه کړي، او قدرمنۍ کورنۍ او ټولو خواخوږو ته دې ددې ستر غم د زغملو توان او د زړه صبر ورکړي.

ته یوازې یو نږدې ملګری نه وې، بلکې د خپل هېواد یو ریښتینی خدمتګار او د افغانستان د عزت استازی وې. تا… pic.twitter.com/VT7KwDOOU1

— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) July 7, 2026

په ډېرې خواشینۍ سره مې د شاپور د مړینې خبر واورېد. دا د هغه د کورنۍ، دوستانو او د افغانستان د کرکټ مینه‌والو لپاره یوه ستره ضایعه ده. د هغه اروا دې ښاده وي، الله تعالی دې جنت الفردوس ورپه برخه کړي، کورنۍ، ملګرو او ټولو خواخوږو ته دې صبر جمیل ورکړي. موږ هم په دې ستر غم کې ځان شریک… pic.twitter.com/V5gpvc9KlG

— Azmatullah Omarzai (@AzmatOmarzay) July 7, 2026

Really sad to hear about the passing of Shapoor Zadran. One of the main architects behind Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket, his contribution to the game and the team’s journey will always be remembered. A life dedicated to the sport. May his soul rest in peace. Heartfelt…

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) July 7, 2026

Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Afghanistan cricket pioneer, Shapoor Zadran 💔

A true warrior on the field who inspired an entire generation to dream big. His legacy will live on forever. Heartfelt condolences to his family and fans 🙏 pic.twitter.com/wwiEz3mupP

— Ajay Jadeja (@AjayJadeja171) July 7, 2026

د ژؤرې خواشینۍ پیغام

د افغانستان کرکټ د اولو او سختو ورځو اتل شاپور حاجي د ورپېښې ناروغۍ لهٔ امله خپل روح د روحونو مالک ته وسپاره!!

خدای د شاپور حاجي ته جنت الفردونصیب کړي، دوستانو او ټولې غمجنې کورنۍ ته یې تسلیت وایم.

پدې غم کې ورسره شریک یم.

انا للهِ و انا الیهِ راجعون pic.twitter.com/d3kwvLW5dh

— Ibrahim Zadran (@IZadran18) July 7, 2026

Shapoor Zadran, One of the Icons of Afghanistan Cricket passed away 💔

– Condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/WQ3gnGOr2w

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 7, 2026

Afghanistan Cricketer Shapoor Zadran Passed Away.🥹🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/z8JMTAIjL2

— Maina Singh (@Maina_Singhx77) July 7, 2026

🕊️ Former Afghanistan Cricketer Shapoor Zadran Passes Away

Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has passed away after battling illness for several months. He breathed his last at a hospital in India.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and the… pic.twitter.com/sM9HWxpGrA

— Rana Ahmad. (@AhmadRana056) July 7, 2026

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