Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran died at the age of 38 due to prolonged illness. He was undergoing treatment in Delhi-NCR. Many personalities from the cricket world including Mohammad Nabi, Ravi Shastri have expressed deep grief over his demise.
New Delhi [भारत]July 7 (ANI): Afghanistan cricketers Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai and former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri, among others, have condoled the demise of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran. 38-year-old Zadran died on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.
Zadran was suffering from a rare immune system disorder called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and was undergoing treatment in the Delhi-NCR region for the past several months.
In a post on X, Nabi paid tribute to Zadran and expressed condolences to his family. He described Zadran as a loyal friend, a proud representative of Afghanistan and a cricketer whose contribution and legacy will live forever in the hearts of the Afghan people.
The Prophet said in the X Post, “Brother Shapoor! May Allah shower His infinite mercy on you, grant you Jannat al-Firdous, and give your respected family and all loved ones the strength and fortitude of heart to bear this great sorrow. You were not just a close friend, but a true servant of your motherland and a representative of the honor of Afghanistan. You always stood shoulder to shoulder with your friends, held high the name of your motherland with pride and honor, and you kept the name of your motherland high with pride and honor, and you brought joy to the hearts of the Afghan people.”
He further said, “Today you are physically gone from us, but your name, your services and your memories will always remain in the hearts of the Afghan people. May your soul rest in peace, brother.”
Azmatullah Omarzai also expressed grief over Zadran’s demise, calling it a great loss to his family, friends and the cricket community of Afghanistan.
He said, “With deep sadness, I heard the news of Shapoor’s demise. It is a huge loss for his family, friends and cricket lovers of Afghanistan. May his soul rest in peace; may Allah grant him paradise, and may he grant patience to his family, friends and all well-wishers. We also share in this immense sorrow.”
Indian cricket world also expressed grief
Former Indian cricketer and coach Ravi Shastri also expressed grief over Zadran’s demise, calling him one of the key faces behind Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket.
Shastri said in his ex-post, “Really sad to hear about the demise 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 game. May his soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the Afghanistan cricket fraternity.”
Commentator Harsha Bhogle, while expressing grief over Zadran’s demise, recalled his charismatic presence on the field and praised his passion and intent.
He said, “Really sad to hear about the passing of the charismatic Shapoor Zadran. I loved watching him play, his run-up, his intent. Shapoor and Hamid Hassan were a huge part of Afghanistan’s early years. Gone too soon. Very unfortunate.”
IPL teams paid tribute
Punjab-based Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS) also expressed grief over Zadran’s demise, saying, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Shapoor Zadran, one of the greatest icons of Afghanistan cricket. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans said, “Our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran.”
Shapoor Zadran’s career
Zadran represented Afghanistan in 80 international matches between 2009 and 2020, including 44 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 36 T20 Internationals. (ANI)
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