By Admin 
Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran died in India on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. 38-year-old Zadran breathed his last during treatment at a hospital in New Delhi. He was suffering from a rare and serious immune disease called stage-4 hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). He died a day before his 39th birthday. On his death, many current and former players paid emotional tribute to him. Star spinner Rashid Khan shared an emotional message calling him his very close friend.
Rashid Khan wrote on Instagram, ‘With a heavy heart I am saying goodbye to a wonderful friend of mine. Thank you for the laughter, memories and your love for everyone. Life will not be the same without you. You will always hold a special place in my heart. Rest in peace my dear friend. See you.’
Afghan players paid emotional tribute
Afghanistan National Cricket team players carrying the coffin of Shapoor Zadran on their shoulders. 😥 pic.twitter.com/lBYGgeVj7F
— Noor Ahmad Nation 🇦🇫 (@kohinr_15) July 8, 2026
Former captain Mohammad Nabi wrote, ‘Shapoor Bhai! May Allah grant you His infinite mercy, place you in Jannat-ul-Firdaus and give your family and loved ones the strength to bear this loss. You were not only my close friend, but also a true servant of your country and the pride of Afghanistan.
He further said, ‘Today you are not physically among us, but your name, your services and your memories will always be alive in the hearts of the people of Afghanistan. May Allah forgive you. In a video that surfaced on social media, Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and many current and former players of Afghanistan were seen crying emotionally while bidding farewell to Shapoor Zadran.
All-rounder Azmatullah Umarzai wrote, ‘Very sad to hear the news of Shapoor’s demise. This is a huge loss for his family, friends and cricket lovers of Afghanistan. May Allah grant him heaven and give patience to his family and all his loved ones. We are also with them in this deep sorrow. Opening batsman Ibrahim Zadran wrote, ‘Shapoor Haji, one of the heroes of the early and struggling era of Afghanistan cricket, left this world due to a sudden illness. May Allah grant them heaven. I express my condolences to his friends and the entire bereaved family. Veteran batsman Rahmat Shah also shared the Islamic verse and wrote, ‘Surely we belong to Allah and to Him we will return.’
Ravi Shastri also expressed grief
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also condoled the demise of Shapoor Zadran. He wrote, ‘The news of Shapoor Zadran’s demise is very sad. His name will always be remembered among the major players who took Afghanistan cricket to the world stage.
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His dedication towards the game will always inspire. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and the entire Afghanistan cricket community. Shapoor Zadran played 44 ODI and 36 T20 international matches for Afghanistan between 2009 and 2020. His name figures prominently among the players who gave international recognition to Afghanistan cricket.
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