Shapoor Zadran dies at 38: Afghanistan pacer's cause of death

Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has passed away at the age of 38 after a long battle with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare immune system disorder. He had been undergoing treatment at a hospital in New Delhi since January after being diagnosed with the illness. His death marks a significant loss for Afghanistan cricket.

Shapoor was one of the pioneers of Afghanistan's rise in international cricket. As one of the country's early fast bowlers, he played a key role in helping Afghanistan establish itself on the global stage. His passion, dedication, and commitment to the game made him one of the most respected figures in Afghan cricket and inspired a generation of young cricketers.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the news in an official statement, expressing its deep sorrow over his passing. "With profound grief and deep sorrow, the Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the passing of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran," the board said. His contributions to Afghanistan cricket will always be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

What was Shapoor Zadran's illness? Cause of death explained

Shapoor Zadran was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening immune system disorder. His health problems first appeared in October 2025, when his condition began to deteriorate. After several medical tests, doctors diagnosed him with HLH, a disease that causes the immune system to become overactive and attack healthy tissues. The condition can severely damage the bone marrow, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.

As his health worsened, Shapoor's illness progressed to Stage 4. Afghanistan star Rashid Khan and Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chairman Mirwais Ashraf helped arrange his visa so he could receive advanced medical treatment in India. He was admitted to a hospital in New Delhi on January 18, 2026, where doctors continued his treatment.

During his treatment, Shapoor also contracted dengue fever, which further weakened his condition. His red blood cell count dropped significantly, making recovery even more difficult. Although he showed signs of improvement at times, repeated health complications proved too severe. He remained in the intensive care unit (ICU) from May before passing away after a prolonged battle with the rare illness.

Shapoor Zadran's cricket career: Stats, World Cups & records

Shapoor Zadran made his international debut for Afghanistan in an ODI against the Netherlands in August 2009. During his international career, which lasted until 2020, the left-arm fast bowler played 44 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 36 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). He claimed 43 wickets in ODIs and 37 wickets in T20Is, establishing himself as one of Afghanistan's leading fast bowlers.

Zadran was one of the pioneers of Afghanistan's rise in international cricket. He played a key role in the team's journey from an emerging cricket nation to becoming a Full Member of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Known for his pace, aggressive celebrations, and ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs, he was an important member of the Afghanistan squad during a historic period for the country's cricket.

One of the highlights of Zadran's career came at the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. He took 10 wickets in six matches and played a memorable role in Afghanistan's historic one-wicket victory over Scotland by hitting the winning runs. His performances at the World Cup remain some of the finest moments in Afghanistan's cricket history and cemented his legacy as one of the country's cricketing pioneers.

Tributes pour in: Fans and ACB react to Shapoor Zadran's demise

The Afghanistan cricket community came together to support Shapoor Zadran throughout his illness. Teammates, including Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, visited him in the hospital and appealed to fans to pray for his recovery. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) also extended its support during his treatment.

Following his passing, tributes poured in from fans, former teammates, and cricket officials, who remembered Zadran as one of the pioneers of Afghanistan cricket. His passion, dedication, and commitment helped the national team establish itself on the international stage. He will be remembered not only for his performances with the ball but also for inspiring a new generation of Afghan cricketers.

Paying tribute to the former fast bowler, the ACB said: "Beyond his achievements on the field, Shapoor Zadran was a true source of inspiration for many young Afghan cricketers and for cricket followers across the world. His fighting spirit, determination, and love for the game gave hope to many and encouraged a generation to dream bigger and believe in the future of Afghanistan cricket."