Shapoor Zadran, the pioneering former Afghanistan fast bowler who etched his name in cricket history by securing his country’s first-ever ICC Cricket World Cup win, has passed away at the age of 38 while receiving treatment for a rare autoimmune disorder in New Delhi, India.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the news in an official statement released on June 8, expressing deep mourning for the loss of one of the sport’s most foundational figures in the war-torn nation. “It is with profound grief and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Shapoor Zadran,” the statement read.
A left-arm fast bowler who made his international debut against the Netherlands in 2009, Zadran enjoyed an 11-year international career that spanned 44 One Day Internationals and 36 T20 internationals, finishing with a combined 80 wickets across both formats. On his ODI debut, he immediately announced his arrival by taking a career-best 4 wickets for just 24 runs, setting the tone for a career defined by consistent, high-impact performances.
But Zadran’s most iconic moment came in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, when he scored the match-winning runs against Scotland to deliver Afghanistan’s first ever victory at the tournament — a milestone that cemented his legacy as a trailblazer for Afghan cricket’s rapid rise on the global stage.
The ACB hailed Zadran as one of the core foundation-layers of Afghan cricket, noting that his relentless dedication, fierce passion and unwavering commitment to growing the sport at home was instrumental to the national team’s climb up the international rankings. “Throughout his career, Shapoor served Afghanistan cricket with honour, courage, and pride,” the board added. “His contributions and achievements will always remain an important part of the history of Afghanistan cricket, and his efforts in the service of the national team will never be forgotten.”
Tributes quickly poured in from across the global cricket community following the announcement. Former Indian all-rounder and ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri, now a leading cricket commentator, paid his respects on social media platform X, calling Zadran “one of the main architects behind Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket.”
“Really sad to hear about the passing of Shapoor Zadran,” Shastri wrote. “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 condolences to his family, friends, and the Afghanistan cricket fraternity.”