Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran passed away in New Delhi on Tuesday, 7 July 2025, following a prolonged battle with stage four Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening immune disorder. He was 38, and died just a day before his 39th birthday, while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the Indian capital. Tributes poured in swiftly from across the cricketing world, with teammates, opponents, and coaches remembering him as one of the founding pillars of Afghanistan cricket.

Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi Lead the Mourning

Afghanistan star Rashid Khan was among the first to pay his respects, remembering Zadran as a close and irreplaceable friend. 'With a heavy heart, I say goodbye to a truly wonderful friend. Thank you for the laughter, the memories, and the kindness you shared with everyone around you. Life won't be the same without you. You will always hold a special place in my heart. Rest in peace, my dear friend. Until we meet again,' Rashid wrote on Instagram.

Former Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi posted a heartfelt tribute on X, describing Zadran as a servant of his homeland and a representative of Afghan honour. 'Shapur, brother! May Allah Almighty bestow His infinite mercies upon you, grant you Paradise Al-Firdaws, and give your esteemed family and all your dear ones the strength to endure this great sorrow and the patience of the heart. You were not just a close friend, but a true servant of your homeland and a representative of Afghanistan's honour,' Nabi wrote. He added: 'Today you have departed from our midst in body, but your name, your services, and your memory will remain eternally in the hearts of the Afghan people.'

Teammates Remember a Pioneer

Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai called Zadran's passing a great loss for his family, friends, and the country's cricket community. 'With profound sorrow, I heard the news of Shapur's passing. This is a great loss for his family, friends, and the cricket lovers of Afghanistan,' Omarzai wrote, offering prayers for Zadran's family.

Opening batter Ibrahim Zadran described the late pacer as 'Afghanistan cricket's hero of the first and difficult days,' paying tribute to his role during the team's formative years. Veteran batter Rahmat Shah shared a brief but poignant message, quoting the Islamic verse: 'Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him, we shall return.'

Ravi Shastri Pays Tribute from India

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also mourned the loss, crediting Zadran as one of the key architects of Afghanistan's rise in world cricket. '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 condolences to his family, friends, and the Afghanistan cricket fraternity,' Shastri wrote on X.

A Career That Built a Nation's Cricket Identity

Zadran represented Afghanistan in 44 One-Day Internationals and 36 T20 Internationals between 2009 and 2020. His left-arm pace was a defining feature of Afghanistan's early campaigns as they climbed through the ICC's associate ranks to full-member status. Notably, he was part of the squad during some of the most consequential years in Afghan cricket history — a period when the team transitioned from relative obscurity to a competitive force capable of upsetting established Test nations.

His death marks a profound moment for a cricket programme that has grown rapidly, and his absence will be felt deeply by a generation of Afghan cricketers who looked to him as a trailblazer. The Afghanistan Cricket Board and the broader cricketing community are expected to pay further formal tributes in the coming days.